The Rockies have signed right-hander Jake Woodford to a minor league deal, per Thomas Harding of MLB.com. The agreement likely includes an invitation to major league Spring Training, giving Woodford a chance to compete for a rotation or bullpen spot ahead of the season.
Woodford, 28, was drafted by the Cardinals in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He worked his way up through their minor league system before debuting in the majors during the shortened 2020 season. His first season was underwhelming, with a 5.57 ERA across 21 innings. However, in 2021 and 2022, Woodford showed promise in a swingman role, posting a combined 3.26 ERA (121 ERA+) and 3.93 FIP over 116 innings. Despite the respectable results, his 15.4% strikeout rate lagged well behind league averages, a persistent issue in his career.
Woodford’s strikeout struggles caught up with him in 2023 when he posted a 6.23 ERA in 47 2/3 innings for the Cardinals. His strikeout rate dipped further to 13.1%, and his control began to falter, with a 9.1% walk rate approaching his strikeout percentage. Opposing hitters capitalized, elevating the ball more effectively and posting an 11.3% barrel rate. As a result, the Cardinals non-tendered Woodford in November.
In 2024, Woodford signed a minor league deal with the White Sox and was called up in May to fill in for the injured Mike Clevinger. However, his two starts went poorly, allowing ten runs in 8 1/3 innings. After being designated for assignment in June, Woodford joined the Pirates on a minor league deal. He made seven appearances for Pittsburgh, including five starts, but continued to struggle, recording a 7.09 ERA. His underlying 4.07 FIP suggested some bad luck, but his 15.7% strikeout rate remained a glaring issue. He was ultimately outrighted off the roster and entered minor league free agency after the season.
Now, Woodford gets a fresh start with the Rockies, an organization that has long emphasized groundball pitchers to mitigate the challenges of pitching at altitude. With a career groundball rate of 45.1%, Woodford fits that mold. However, his recent struggles limited him to a minor league deal, and he’ll need to earn a roster spot in Spring Training or wait for a midseason opportunity.
The Rockies’ rotation appears set with Germán Márquez, Kyle Freeland, Austin Gomber, Ryan Feltner, and Antonio Senzatela penciled in. However, there’s more competition for bullpen roles, giving Woodford a chance to challenge players like Angel Chivilli or Tanner Gordon with a strong performance in camp.
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