The Rockies’ Decision: Justin Lawrence Placed 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 allows Lawrence to continue pitching for the Rockies while his fate hangs in the balance on the waiver wire. If another team claims Lawrence within the next 48 hours, they will be responsible for his $965K salary in 2025. However, if Lawrence remains unclaimed, the 30-year-old right-hander will stay with the Rockies.
Lawrence’s Performance and Potential
Reports emerged in November suggesting that the Rockies were open to trading Lawrence, indicating that the front office’s current actions were not entirely unexpected. Lawrence’s performance in spring training, where he struggled with a 9.00 ERA, 2.333 WHIP, and 6.0 strikeouts per nine innings over three appearances, likely influenced this decision. In the 2023 season, Lawrence served as a closer, recording 11 saves. However, his performance declined in 2024, with a 6.49 ERA, 1.777 WHIP, and a negative WAR value.
Analyzing Lawrence’s Career
Despite his recent struggles, Lawrence’s career statistics reveal a mixed bag of results. Notably, he holds a significantly higher ERA at Coors Field compared to other venues. However, Lawrence’s dependable slider and four years of team control make him an appealing option for teams seeking bullpen reinforcements at a relatively low cost. With the Rockies’ bullpen ranking poorly in 2024 in terms of ERA and WHIP, Lawrence’s departure could prompt the team to explore younger bullpen options to step up.
Potential Replacements and Future Outlook
In the absence of Lawrence, the Rockies may turn to younger bullpen prospects such as Seth Halvorsen, Luis Peralta, Victor Vodnik, and Angel Chivilli, who collectively contributed a 2.4 WAR in the previous season. Additionally, returning veterans Jake Bird and Tyler Kinley, along with free agent signing Scott Alexander, offer further depth to the bullpen. The team’s decision to part ways with Lawrence signals a potential shift in strategy towards developing younger talent and addressing the bullpen’s shortcomings.
By placing Lawrence on waivers, the Rockies have set in motion a series of events that could reshape their bullpen and impact the team’s performance in the upcoming season. The outcome of this move remains uncertain, but it underscores the team’s commitment to making strategic decisions to enhance its competitiveness in the challenging landscape of Major League Baseball.