Right-Hander Ryan Feltner was labeled as a strong breakout candidate heading into the 2024 season. After an injury-riddled campaign, he has his eyes set on a strong rebound season. For a Colorado Rockies team that is coming off a season in which their starting rotation was a distant last in Major League Baseball. A healthy and effective Feltner would do wonders for that unit.
Ryan Feltner Is Looking to Bounce-Back in a Major Way
When the offseason began, it was unclear if Feltner would even be on the Rockies at the start of next season. But the Rockies’ new front office showed confidence in his potential when they tendered a contract to him ahead of the Non-Tender deadline. With open spots in the rotation left by Austin Gomber and Germán Márquez, the Rockies couldn’t afford to lose Feltner.
There is plenty of reason to believe in him still. In 2024, he had a strong case for the Rockies’ most effective starting pitcher. It was a career season for Feltner following a terrifying moment in 2023. In which he was hit in the head by a comebacker off the bat of Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos. Feltner suffered a skull fracture and concussion, limiting him to just 10 games. His coming back from that alone is an impressive accomplishment. But Feltner went out the following season and was one of the best stories on the Rockies.
He started 30 games, posting a 4.49 ERA with a 138/52 K: BB ratio over 162 1/3 innings pitched. His 138 Ks were 22 ahead of the next closest on the Rockies. He also led the Rockies in ERA (4.49) and Quality Starts (13). His 7.7 K/9 easily led the Rockies’ rotation, and he finished third among the Rockies’ pitching staff with a 1.1 WAR. A big reason for his success was his 94.6 mph four-seam fastball. Per Statcast, he ranked in the 82nd percentile with a 7 fastball run value. The four-seamer specifically had a 9-run value. The only other pitch thrown by Feltner that season above 0 was his curveball (1-run value). Among the Rockies’ starting pitching staff, Feltner’s 9-run value on his four-seamer was a distant first. It was truly an elite pitch for Feltner the entire season. But you need more than numbers to succeed at the pitcher’s graveyard that is Coors Field.
Feltner Has the Right Mentality and Resolve
Feltner had his fair share of lumps to work through during the 2024 season. He showed the potential to be an elite starting pitcher from the beginning of the season. However, he was struggling to end outings effectively. He would often be outstanding for the first four innings and then struggle to get out of the fifth. Per BaseballReference, the fifth inning was far and away his worst. Over 24 1/3 IP, Feltner posted a 6.66 ERA during the fifth. Opposing lineups were teeing off Feltner during the fifth inning, hitting .327 with an .858 OPS.
He was also the victim of a porous Rockies bullpen that ruined several great starts. One harrowing start was May 23 against the Oakland Athletics. Feltner left after a spotless six shutout innings, limiting the A’s to four hits with six Ks to two BBs. The Rockies had a 4-0 lead when Feltner left the game. Six Rockies’ relievers combined to allow 10 runs, and the Rockies lost 10-9 in 11 innings.
Coors Field alone is enough to break most pitchers. With Feltner still an unproven pitcher, his bad luck, injury history, and struggles to finish a start would’ve presumably been enough to break him. But he kept his head down during a tough season for the club and went to work. By the time September came, Feltner was pitching like one of the best pitchers in baseball. In 30 1/3 IP covering five September starts, Feltner posted a stellar 1.78 ERA with 23 Ks to 10 BBs. Four of the five starts were quality starts, and three resulted in Rockies wins. Finishing the season looking like the clear number one option on the Rockies.
Why Doubt Him to Do It Again?
Feltner’s resolve will be tested again this season. Various injuries, including back spasms, limited Feltner to just six games in 2025. He’s already shown that he is one of the most resilient players in the MLB. This upcoming season, he will need to serve a helping of Deja-vu. He has already passed the most challenging test. He showed in 2024 that he can succeed at a high level in this league.
This time, he won’t be coming back from a terrifying injury. He will be coming back following a full offseason of preparation. He will also have perhaps the best bullpen in Rockies’ history working behind him. Feltner is also still just 29 years old and out to prove he can put together a healthy season again. The Rockies will sorely need him to bounce back. As mentioned earlier, the Rockies’ starting rotation is coming off arguably their worst season in franchise history.
Feltner needs to show he can be the number one option in Colorado again. With all he has been through in his short MLB career, there is no reason to doubt him. In fact, it might not be a bad idea to start looking at Feltner’s odds for comeback player of the year at your sportsbook of choice. He might go out there and win you some money.
Main Photo Credits: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images