Justin Lawrence’s Future Uncertain as Rockies Place Him on Waivers
The Colorado Rockies have made a significant move by placing relief pitcher Justin Lawrence on irrevocable waivers, as reported by the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. This decision has put Lawrence in a precarious position, where he can still pitch for the Rockies while waiting for potential claims from other teams within the next 48 hours. If another team decides to claim Lawrence, they will inherit his $965K salary for the 2025 season. However, if no team claims him, the 30-year-old right-hander will remain with the Rockies.
Mixed Performances and Rocky Road Ahead for Lawrence
Lawrence’s situation is not entirely unexpected, as reports emerged back in November suggesting that the Rockies were open to trading him. His lackluster performance during spring training, where he struggled with a 9.00 ERA, 2.333 WHIP, and 6.0 strikeouts per nine innings in three appearances, further fueled speculation about his future with the team.
In 2023, Lawrence was a key figure in the Rockies’ bullpen, saving 11 games and showcasing promising potential. However, his performance took a downward turn in 2024, where he posted a disappointing 6.49 ERA, 1.777 WHIP, and a negative WAR value. This decline was a stark contrast to his breakout 2023 season, where he demonstrated his capabilities with a 3.72 ERA, 1.347 WHIP, and solid strikeout numbers.
A Potential Bargain for Bullpen Rebuilders
Despite Lawrence’s struggles, his career statistics reveal an intriguing aspect – a stark difference in performance between playing at Coors Field and elsewhere. With a significantly higher ERA at home, Lawrence’s skills on the road, combined with his reliable slider and four years of team control, could make him an attractive option for teams seeking bullpen reinforcements at a bargain price of less than $1 million.
The Rockies’ bullpen faced significant challenges in 2024, ranking last in the MLB with a poor ERA of 5.41 and a high WHIP of 1.55. Without Lawrence, the team may turn to younger options like Seth Halvorsen, Luis Peralta, Victor Vodnik, and Angel Chivilli, who showed promise with a combined 2.4 WAR last season. Additionally, returning veterans and a free-agent addition provide some depth to the bullpen roster.
As Lawrence’s future hangs in the balance, his journey from a breakout star to a waiver wire candidate reflects the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the tough decisions teams must make to stay competitive.