The Colorado Rockies began their latest road trip against the Baltimore Orioles with Orlando Arcia starting at third base, marking the team’s first game without Ryan McMahon following the Ryan McMahon Rockies trade. Arcia, a seasoned player and 2021 World Series champion with the Atlanta Braves, made only his sixth start at third base this season during Friday’s game.
Despite his experience, Arcia is unlikely to maintain this role beyond the current season. Before starting at third base on Friday, he had appeared just 12 times at the position in the Major Leagues and is not listed as a third baseman on the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB.com Rockies depth chart.
Current Depth Options Reveal a Transition Phase at Third Base
The Rockies’ depth chart for third base also features Kyle Farmer and Tyler Freeman. Farmer, a veteran with nine years of experience, has played 160 games at third base but is primarily known for his middle infield duties. Meanwhile, Freeman has a limited track record of 45 games at third base during his four-year career, spending much of his time in the outfield.
During the opening game against Baltimore, Freeman started in right field while Farmer was omitted from the starting lineup, signaling that the trio—Arcia, Farmer, and Freeman—serve as temporary solutions as the team awaits a more permanent third baseman.
Kyle Karros Emerges as Colorado’s Third Base Talent of Tomorrow
The Rockies are pinning their long-term hopes on Kyle Karros, their No. 9 prospect according to MLB Pipeline and the highest-ranked third baseman within the organization. Karros currently plays in Triple-A Albuquerque and might soon earn his first promotion to the Major Leagues before the end of this season.
Karros brings a rich baseball heritage as the son of Eric Karros, a 14-year Major League veteran who mostly played for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Eric’s decorated career includes 284 home runs, over 1,000 RBIs, a National League rookie of the year award, and an NL Silver Slugger at first base, all of which have provided Kyle with a strong influence growing up.
Since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of UCLA, Kyle Karros has proven to be a reliable hitter throughout the Rockies’ minor league system. Over 65 games this season across three affiliates, he maintained a slash line of .294/.401/.450, tallying four home runs and 23 RBIs, despite missing time due to injury and only recently joining the Albuquerque Isotopes on July 18.
With the Isotopes, Karros has played six games, achieving a .250/.357/.292 slash line with one RBI. His 2024 season at High-A Spokane, where he competed in 123 games, serves as a better indicator of his potential, as he produced a .311/.390/.485 line with 15 home runs and 78 RBIs for the full season.
Trade Signals a Shift Toward a Younger Infield Core
The Rockies’ decision to trade McMahon likely reflects their confidence in Karros’ progression, coupled with a desire to shed the remaining two years of McMahon’s contract valued at approximately $32 million. The combination of financial flexibility and rising talent appears to motivate the team’s rebuilding efforts.
As Arcia, Farmer, and Freeman provide short-term coverage at third base, the Rockies are clearly preparing to hand over the position to Karros as their centerpiece going forward. This move underscores a strategic shift that could shape the future infield lineup for the team.
What This Means for the Rockies’ Future
The transition at third base is a crucial development for the Colorado Rockies as they look to build a competitive roster in upcoming seasons. Investing in Kyle Karros, a hitter with a strong pedigree and consistent minor league performance, demonstrates the team’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
Although the immediate future at third base remains uncertain with veteran stopgaps in place, the Rockies’ focus on Karros provides a hopeful yet tense outlook for their infield stability. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Karros can make the leap to the Major Leagues and deliver the production expected from a rising star in the Rockies system.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Ryan McMahon do?
A. For almost twenty years, Ryan McMahon has been leading the way in Indigenous comedy and storytelling. His aim is to challenge the norm and reshape the world using humor and Indigenous stories.
Q. What was Ryan McMahon’s strikeout rate?
A. His strikeout rate was 34.2%, making it the second-highest both in Major League Baseball and in the National League.