Left-handed pitcher Scott Alexander has been officially released by the Colorado Rockies, following his designation for assignment last week. This move signals Alexander’s entry into free agency, making his availability a key point of interest for teams looking to add a veteran southpaw. The Rockies will remain responsible for his remaining salary, while any new club signing him will only pay the prorated league minimum during his time on their roster.
Performance Concerns and Financial Implications
Alexander signed with Colorado this offseason on a $2 million contract but struggled early, posting a 6.06 earned run average (ERA) over 19 appearances. Such numbers likely deterred teams from claiming him off waivers, which led to his release. As a veteran with over five years of major league service, Alexander was entitled to reject an outright assignment and choose free agency, retaining his salary. The Rockies opted to bypass this process by releasing him directly to the open market, which could increase his chances of drawing interest more quickly.
Analyzing Performance: The Coors Field Effect
Alexander’s ERA in Denver has been a troubling 7.20, while on the road it falls to a more respectable 4.26. Though these figures come from limited innings—10 in Denver and 6 1/3 on the road—they highlight the impact of pitching at Coors Field. A key factor in Alexander’s success historically has been his ability to induce ground balls, which suppresses the damage that hitters can inflict. This season, his ground ball rate is notably lower at home (48.7%) compared to on the road (63.2%), a significant contrast in a small sample size.
Career Ground Ball Rate Underscores Potential Value
Since making his major league debut in 2015, Alexander has maintained a career ground ball rate of 66.6% across 325 2/3 innings. Among pitchers with at least 300 innings during that span, only Zack Britton has recorded a better rate. This attribute has helped him sustain a 3.34 career ERA despite pitching many innings in hitter-friendly environments. Given this track record, and the relatively low cost of acquiring him, several clubs may consider taking a chance on the lefty as a bullpen option.
Looking Ahead: What Free Agency May Hold
As Scott Alexander enters free agency, his past success combined with the current struggles suggests there is still potential value on the table for interested teams. While his recent numbers at Coors Field are a concern, clubs familiar with his ground ball specialty and veteran experience might view him as a worthwhile addition, especially to bolster relief staff depth. With the Rockies absorbing his existing contract costs, Alexander is in a position to negotiate new opportunities without salary constraints.