Rockies Sign Tommy Doyle To Minor League Deal…

Rockies Sign Tommy Doyle To Minor League Deal

 

In a move that has captured the attention of Colorado Rockies fans and baseball enthusiasts alike, the team announced on Monday that it has signed right-handed pitcher Tommy Doyle to a minor league contract. The deal, which includes an invitation to major league spring training, represents another step in the Rockies’ efforts to bolster their pitching depth as they continue to build their roster for the upcoming 2025 season.

 

Doyle, 27, has a history with the Rockies, having previously made appearances in the major leagues for the team in 2021. His signing highlights Colorado’s ongoing commitment to developing homegrown talent, as well as their desire to increase their pitching options heading into the spring.

 

A Promising Addition to the Rockies’ Pitching Pool

 

Tommy Doyle’s return to the Rockies comes after spending time both in the majors and minors over the past several seasons. Originally drafted by Colorado in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Doyle has spent the majority of his career in the Rockies’ organization, though his most significant time in the major leagues came during the 2021 season. In 2021, Doyle made a total of eight appearances for the Rockies, posting a 6.75 ERA in 9.1 innings of work.

 

His time in the minors has seen marked improvement, particularly with the Albuquerque Isotopes, Colorado’s Triple-A affiliate. Over the last two seasons, Doyle has developed into a reliable relief option, showing flashes of his potential as a power arm. In 2024, Doyle’s performance in Triple-A earned him recognition for his high strikeout rate, finishing with a 2.98 ERA in 40 appearances.

 

While his major league numbers may not be spectacular, Doyle’s growth in the minors has been encouraging. His ability to generate strikeouts, combined with his high-velocity fastball, has made him a notable figure in the Rockies’ developmental system. This new deal represents an opportunity for him to refine his skills and potentially reassert himself as a key contributor to the Rockies’ bullpen in the near future.

 

The Need for Pitching Depth

 

The Colorado Rockies have long faced challenges with their pitching staff, especially in the notoriously hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field. Over the past few seasons, the team has struggled to establish a consistent and reliable bullpen, and the starting rotation has often been inconsistent as well. The Rockies have worked to address this issue by signing veteran pitchers and by developing their minor league prospects with the hope of building a more stable pitching core.

 

Tommy Doyle’s addition is seen as part of this effort. As the Rockies aim to solidify their pitching depth heading into 2025, Doyle’s experience and potential offer an intriguing option for the club. While it remains to be seen whether he can make an impact at the major league level, Doyle’s presence in the organization gives the Rockies another arm to experiment with during spring training and beyond.

 

In recent years, the Rockies have made notable strides in their pitching development, focusing on improving the performance of pitchers in Coors Field. Doyle, with his solid fastball and improved secondary pitches, could be part of that effort. His strikeout ability will be crucial for any success in Denver, where the thin air can often make it difficult for pitchers to get outs. Doyle’s fastball, which can touch the high 90s, is his primary weapon, and he’ll likely continue to focus on refining it as he seeks to find a more permanent role with the Rockies.

 

What Tommy Doyle Brings to the Table

 

Doyle’s main strength as a pitcher lies in his fastball. He consistently hits the mid-to-high 90s on the radar gun and has shown the ability to elevate it effectively, making it a tough pitch for hitters to square up. Along with his fastball, Doyle has a solid slider that can be a potent weapon against right-handed hitters. However, his changeup has been less consistent and will likely be an area of focus during his time in spring training.

 

In his minor league career, Doyle has been able to leverage his raw stuff to overpower hitters, which has allowed him to post excellent strikeout rates. In 2024, he posted a career-high 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings in Triple-A, showing that he has the potential to be a dominant bullpen arm if he can continue to refine his command and pitch selection.

 

One of the challenges for Doyle at the major league level has been his control. He has struggled at times with issuing walks, which has led to high pitch counts and limited success in the big leagues. If he is to carve out a lasting role with the Rockies, improving his command and limiting free passes will be key.

 

However, the Rockies are familiar with Doyle’s skill set and his development. They will likely give him the opportunity to work on these areas during spring training, with the hope that he can come into the 2025 season more refined and ready to compete for a spot in the major league bullpen.

 

Spring Training Opportunities

 

With the signing of Doyle to a minor league contract, the Rockies have essentially invited him to compete for a spot in the major league bullpen during spring training. He will join a host of other pitchers vying for a role with the team, including several veterans and younger arms looking to break into the major leagues.

 

For Doyle, spring training will be a critical opportunity to prove that he can consistently perform at the major league level. The competition for bullpen spots will be fierce, but Doyle’s experience and his strong showing in the minors last season make him a legitimate candidate for a role in the Rockies’ bullpen.

 

In the coming weeks, Doyle will likely get several opportunities to showcase his abilities in games that could have a significant impact on his future with the club. His fastball-slider combination will be key to his success, and if he can demonstrate improved control, he could make a strong case for a spot on the opening day roster.

 

A Fresh Start for Doyle

 

Tommy Doyle’s return to the Rockies marks a fresh start in his professional career. After spending parts of the last few seasons working in the minors, he’ll now have the chance to once again compete for a major league job with the club that drafted him. Given the struggles that the Rockies’ pitching staff has faced in recent years, Doyle could have the opportunity to carve out a valuable role for himself if he can continue to develop and refine his game.

 

For the Rockies, this deal is a low-risk, high-reward move. If Doyle can find his form and contribute to the bullpen, it would be a significant boost for the team’s pitching depth. If not, the club can continue to develop him in the minors and reassess his future with the organization.

 

The signing of Tommy Doyle is another step in the Rockies’ journey toward building a more competitive team. Whether Doyle emerges as a contributor at the major league level or remains a valuable minor league asset, his signing demonstrates the Rockies’ commitment to improving their pitching staff and finding internal solutions to their roster needs. Fans will be watching closely as Doyle looks to make his mark this spring.