Hundley’s late surge may force difficult offseason decision

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Nick Hundley is enjoying a hot streak that started mid-August, which could put the Rockies into a tough position after the season.

Over his big-league career, the 32-year old catcher continues to show his veteran worth to a pitching staff and as a valuable leader in the locker room. The experienced catcher, in the months of September and October in his Major League career, has hit an average of .276, generally finishing his seasons strong. Hundley’s last eight games had him clubbing at an average of .357, while displaying power and as an RBI machine from the sixth spot in the lineup and in pinch-hit duties.

In his last 28 days, Hundley is batting an impressive .328, fighting his way out of his difficult early-to-mid season struggles. He provides the necessary leadership to a young corps of catchers in the Rockies organization.

Catcher Tony Wolters has picked up his offense during the month August and appears to have established a nice rapport with the starting rotation. He has become an artist in framing pitches, selling strikes to the umpire. With new call-up Tom Murphy, the Rockies are showing excellent depth at catcher. Hundley will continue to be relied upon for his knowledge and teaching to both Wolters and Murphy.

Hundley’s 2016 season has been a bit different than the Coors Field norm. In an equal number of games, the catcher is hitting .266 on the road and .239 in the friendly confines of his home ballpark. This dichotomy is interesting, yet puzzling. In his last eight games, Hundley the veteran has hit three large home runs, helping contribute to wins during the most recent homestand. In fact, the Rockies are 3-1 in games when he hit a home run in this eight-game streak.

An experienced catcher in Hundley is a valuable piece to an organization and since he is a free agent in 2017, the team faces a dilemma at that position. Wolters is an instant fan favorite for the club and a versatile player, offering multiple skillsets, while Murphy is strictly a catcher with plenty of offensive firepower in his bat. Since the Rockies young rotation has overachieved this year, the prevailing thought may be to let Hundley walk after the season and give the reins to Wolters and Murphy. But Hundley has clearly been vital to the success of the young pitchers.

If Hundley continues to rake in the month of September, as he has done the bulk of his career, it will force the Rockies into a very difficult catcher decision during the offseason.