The Rockies’ offseason roster shakeup began Friday when versatile outfielder Jake Cave and right-handed pitchers Dakota Hudson and Peter Lambert opted for free agency after being selected outright to Triple-A Albuquerque. All three players were on the Rockies’ opening day roster.

Cave becoming a free agent opens the door for Sam Hilliard to compete for a spot on the team in spring training as Colorado’s fourth outfielder. Hilliard slashed .239/.305/.507 with 10 home runs and 27 home runs in 58 games.

Cave, 31, who was acquired from Philadelphia for financial reasons late in spring training, has become a fan favorite because of his high-energy, energetic style. He slashed .251/.290/.396 with seven home runs and 37 RBIs in a career-high 123 games.

Hudson, 30, who opted to come to Colorado as a free agent for 2024, struggled as a member of the rotation and was slowed by injuries later in the season. He signed for a relatively low $1.5 million, but went 2-12 with a 6.17 ERA over 18 starts. His walk rate of 12.4% was not only above the league average, but also higher than his strikeout rate of 12.1%.

Lambert split his time between Triple-A Albuquerque and the Rockies, who used him as a starter and long reliever. Lambert, 27, was a second-round pick in 2015, but struggled to return to form after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2020. He was finally healthy in 2023, but posted a 5 ERA .51 in 148 2/3 innings in the big leagues over the past. two seasons.