Baseball Reference Blog
Top 5 Leaders in Home Runs for the Colorado Rockies
Posted by Darren Baker on January 10, 2025
Since the Colorado Rockies entered the league in 1993, the mile-high air in Denver has always been a haven for home-run hitters. At first in Mile High Stadium and at Coors Field since 1995, balls have been launched at a prodigious rate by the Rockies and their guests. The Blake Street Bombers were very intimidating in the mid 90s, and the Rox have had several other scary bats since then. As you might expect, even though this is a relatively young franchise, the Rockies have several players with very impressive career home-run totals. Prepare to have your ears pop as we travel to Denver and count down the all-time leaders in home runs for the Colorado Rockies.
Carlos González
Position: Outfielder
Bats: Left • Throws: Left
6-1, 220lb (185cm, 99kg)
Born:
October 17, 1985
High School: Liceo Udon Perez (Maracaibo, Venezuela)
Debut:
May 30, 2008
(Age 22-226d,
19,324th in major league history)
vs. TEX 3 AB, 2 H, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0 SB
Last Game:
June 27, 2019
(Age 33-253d)
vs. ATL 2 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 2008 season
Agents: Boras Corporation • Previously: Lenny Strelitz
Full Name: Carlos Eduardo González
Nicknames: Cargo
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
Career
24.4
5033
1432
234
.285
821
785
122
.343
.500
.843
112
It seems like Carlos Gonzalez was always battling injuries and was never able to reach his full potential, but this outfielder did blast 227 home runs with the Rockies to sit tied for 5th in franchise rankings. Acquired from Oakland as a returning piece in the Matt Holliday trade, Gonzalez helped Colorado reach the playoffs in his first season there. That 2009 year he only hit 13 homers due to injuries, but he had a breakout NLDS against the Phillies: a homer, 10 hits, a .588 average, and a 1.514 OPS. Cargo rode that momentum in 2010 as he had his best season and a 3rd-place finish in NL MVP voting: 34 home runs, 117 RBIs, 197 hits (led the NL), and a .336 batting average (led the NL). The next decade this lefty continued to belt homers at a decent clip in Colorado and had a career high of 40 in 2015. Since Carlos Gonzalez only played 150+ games in a season three times, it is fair to wonder how much higher he could have been on this list, but his 227 home runs as a Rockie still put him in the franchise’s top five of all time.
Charlie Blackmon
Position: Outfielder
Bats: Left • Throws: Left
6-3, 221lb (190cm, 100kg)
Born:
July 1, 1986
Draft: Drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 28th round of the 2004 MLB June Amateur Draft from North Gwinnett HS (Suwanee, GA), the Boston Red Sox in the 20th round of the 2005 MLB June Amateur Draft from Young Harris College (Young Harris, GA) and the Colorado Rockies in the 2nd round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft from Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA).
High School: North Gwinnett HS (Suwanee, GA)
Schools: Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA), Young Harris College (Young Harris, GA)
Debut:
June 7, 2011
(Age 24-341d,
19,971st in major league history)
vs. SDP 3 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 2012 season
2024 Contract Status: Signed thru 2024, 1 yr/$13M (24)
Service Time (01/2024): 11.102 • Free Agent: 2025
Agents: ACES • Previously: Sports One Athlete Management
Full Name: Charles Cobb Blackmon
Nicknames: Chuck Nazty
Instagram: @chuck__nazty
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
2024
Career
0.6
21.3
449
6165
115
1805
12
227
.256
.293
59
996
52
801
6
148
.329
.353
.412
.479
.741
.832
100
111
The other man tied for 5th on the Colorado Rockies all-time home-run list just retired after the 2024 season and is one of the most beloved players in team history: Charlie Blackmon. Known for his gnarly beard, Blackmon also had a gnarly bat and bombed 227 long balls for the Rockies. His peak period was 2016-2019 when he averaged 32 homers, 86 RBIs, a .315 batting average, and a .933 OPS. This lefty’s best season was 2017 as he led the NL in multiple categories: 137 runs, 213 hits, 14 triples, a .331 batting average, and 387 total bases. Although each appearance resulted in a quick exit, Charlie and the Rockies did get back to the postseason in 2017 and 2018. If you check Colorado’s all-time stats, you will find this popular outfielder often: 1st in triples (68), 2nd in games (1,624), 2nd in ABs (6,165), 2nd in runs scored (996), 2nd in hits (1,805), and 2nd in stolen bases (148). Charlie Blackmon will go down as an all-time Colorado Rockie great, so it’s fitting that he is one of their all-time leaders in home runs.
Nolan Arenado
Position: Third Baseman
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-2, 215lb (188cm, 97kg)
Born:
April 16, 1991
Draft: Drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 2nd round of the 2009 MLB June Amateur Draft from El Toro HS (Lake Forest, CA).
High School: El Toro HS (Lake Forest, CA)
Debut:
April 28, 2013
(Age 22-012d,
20,374th in major league history)
vs. ARI 3 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 2013 season
2024 Contract Status: Signed thru 2027, 9 yrs/$275M (19-27)
Service Time (01/2024): 10.155 • Free Agent: 2028
Agents: Wasserman • Previously: Scott Boras
National Team: us USA (WBC)
Full Name: Nolan James Arenado
Nicknames: Nado or Sandblaster
Pronunciation: \ahr-uh-NAH-doh\
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
Relatives: Cousin of Joshua Fuentes
2024
Career
2.5
56.7
578
6406
157
1826
16
341
.272
.285
70
944
71
1132
2
28
.325
.342
.394
.515
.719
.857
101
120
Nolan Arenado is one of the greatest defensive third basemen in MLB history, and he also happens to be 4th on the Colorado Rockies all-time home-run list (235). Arenado was about as reliable as a Rockies fan could hope for … eight Gold Gloves in eight seasons … 37+ home runs and 110+ RBIs from 2015 to 2019 … five All-Star selections from 2015 to 2019 … 155+ games played per season from 2015 to 2019. That sort of reliability at the hot corner is pretty special. This defensive specialist owns three National League home-run crowns: 42 in ‘15, 41 in ‘16, & 38 in ‘18; that goes along with RBI titles in ‘15 and ‘16. Nolan’s production helped the Rockies reach the playoffs in 2017 and 2018, and he added a long ball in the 2017 NL Wild Card game. This all-around third baseman ranks Mile High in many of the Rockies all-time stats but most prominently is their leader in defensive WAR (15.6) and 3rd in WAR (40.1). After the 2020 season, Colorado traded this franchise icon to St. Louis. Nolan Arenado gave you everything you could want in a third baseman, and he will go down as one of the greatest Colorado Rockies ever.
Vinny Castilla
Positions: Third Baseman and Shortstop
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-1, 175lb (185cm, 79kg)
Born:
July 4, 1967
High School: Carlos Gracida Institute (Oaxaca, Mexico)
School: Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca (Oaxaca, Mexico)
Debut:
September 1, 1991
(Age 24-059d,
16,022nd in major league history)
vs. PHI 0 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Last Game:
September 28, 2006
(Age 39-086d)
vs. LAD 1 AB, 1 H, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0 SB
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 1993 season
Agents: Eric Goldschmidt
Full Name: Vinicio Castilla
Pronunciation: \cass-TEE-yah\
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
View Player Bio from the SABR BioProject
Career
19.3
6822
1884
320
.276
902
1105
33
.321
.476
.797
95
We go from one Rockies third baseman to another. Vinny Castilla was a member of the Blake Street Bombers in the 90s and is 3rd all time in home runs for Colorado with 239. In the mid 90s, these bombers hit many blasts for the Rockies faithful. From 1995 to 1999, Vinny launched a lot of long balls each season: 32, 40, 40, 46, & 33. Maybe more impressive and definitely not as discussed was the fact that Castilla hit over .300 every year from ‘94 to ‘98. This native Mexican was a part of the first Rockies team to reach the postseason in 1995. Although the Rockies went down to the Braves in the NLDS, Castilla blasted three homers and had a 1.133 OPS in that series. He bounced around the league from 2000 to 2003 but returned to Colorado in 2004 at age 36 and had a career renaissance: 35 home runs, an NL-best 131 RBIs, and a career-best 43 doubles. The Rockies even allowed this team stalwart to return for the last month of his career at the end of the 2006 season. Vinny Castilla was a part of a fun time in Denver, and he was one of the best power hitters in Colorado Rockies history.
Larry Walker
Positions: Rightfielder and First Baseman
Bats: Left • Throws: Right
6-2, 185lb (188cm, 83kg)
Born:
December 1, 1966
High School: Maple Ridge HS (Maple Ridge, BC)
Debut:
August 16, 1989
(Age 22-258d,
15,667th in major league history)
vs. SFG 1 AB, 1 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Last Game:
October 2, 2005
(Age 38-305d)
vs. CIN 2 AB, 1 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 2020.
(Voted by BBWAA on 304/397 ballots)
View Larry Walker’s Page at the Baseball Hall of Fame (plaque, photos, videos).
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 1990 season
Agents: Bob Gilhooley, Jim Bronner, Pat Rooney
Full Name: Larry Kenneth Robert Walker
Nicknames: Booger
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
View Player Bio from the SABR BioProject
Career
72.7
6907
2160
383
.313
1355
1311
230
.400
.565
.965
141
It is safe to say that Larry Walker was the best free-agent signing that the Colorado Rockies ever made. This Hall of Famer is 2nd in franchise history with 258 home runs. Acquired for the 1995 season, this Canadian helped get the Rockies to the playoffs in his first season there with 36 home runs, 101 RBIs, a .306 batting average, and a .988 OPS. This was just a preview of things to come. Walker’s 1997 National League MVP season is one of the best years in baseball history: a league-best 9.8 WAR, a league-best 49 home runs, a league-best .452 OBP, a league-best .720 slugging %, a league-best 1.172 OPS, and a league-best 409 total bases. He also won a Gold Glove and hit .366. Then he went on to win three NL batting titles … .363 in ‘98, .379 in ‘99, and .350 in ‘01. We all know that Coors Field is a hitter’s paradise, but this guy’s production was legit. Larry is the all-time Colorado leader in batting average (.334), OBP (.426), slugging % (.618), and OPS (1.044). Every franchise has had their hits and misses in free agency, but when you sign the guy who ends becoming the 2nd all-time home-run hitter in team history, that would qualify as a hit. That’s Larry Walker and the Colorado Rockies.
Todd Helton
Position: First Baseman
Bats: Left • Throws: Left
6-2, 220lb (188cm, 99kg)
Born:
August 20, 1973
Draft: Drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 2nd round of the 1992 MLB June Amateur Draft from Central HS (Knoxville, TN) and the Colorado Rockies in the 1st round (8th) of the 1995 MLB June Amateur Draft from University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN).
High School: Central HS (Knoxville, TN)
School: University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN)
Debut:
August 2, 1997
(Age 23-347d,
17,118th in major league history)
vs. PIT 4 AB, 2 H, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 0 SB
Last Game:
September 29, 2013
(Age 40-040d)
vs. LAD 4 AB, 1 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 2024.
(Voted by BBWAA on 307/385 ballots)
View Todd Helton’s Page at the Baseball Hall of Fame (plaque, photos, videos).
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 1998 season
Agents: Michael Moye • Previously: Alan Nero
National Team: us USA (College)
Full Name: Todd Lynn Helton
Nicknames: The Toddfather
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
View Player Bio from the SABR BioProject
Career
61.8
7962
2519
369
.316
1401
1406
37
.414
.539
.953
133
It is very fitting that Colorado Rockies all-time leader in home runs recently got inducted into the Hall of Fame. Todd Helton slammed 369 homers as a Rockie and is their all-time home-run king. Once a backup QB to Peyton Manning at Tennessee, Helton has a strong claim to being the best player in Rockies history. His 2nd-place finish in the 1998 NL ROY was a harbinger of the next decade … 25 home runs, 97 RBIs, 37 doubles, a .315 batting average, and a .911 OPS. From ‘99 to ‘04, you could make a strong argument for this first baseman being the best player in the National League. During this Rockie’s peak period, his season averages were mountain high … 37 homers, 121 RBIs, a .344 batting average, a .441 OBP, a 1.073 OPS, and 48 doubles. How #17 didn’t win the NL MVP in 2000 is a head scratcher because he led the league in many major categories: WAR (8.9), hits (216), doubles (59), RBIs (147), average (.372), OBP (.463), slugging % (.698), OPS (1.162), and total bases (405). This former quarterback also has three Gold Gloves on his mantle. And maybe The Toddfather’s best accomplishment in Colorado was helping the Rockies win their first and only NL Pennant in 2007. If you scan the franchise’s all-time stats, you will see this lefty at the top of many lists. Recent resident of Cooperstown Todd Helton is the all-time leader in home runs for the Colorado Rockies and very likely their best player ever.
Larry Walker and Todd Helton share the Rockies home-run record for a season. Walker hit 49 home runs in 1997, and Helton hit 49 home runs in 2001.
Todd Helton is the Rockies career home-run leader with 369.
Join our Sports Reference Community
Of Statheads:
Subscribe to Stathead, the most powerful research tools in sports, and find any player, team, season, game, and any play. With over 80 different search tools for baseball, basketball, football, and hockey, you’ve got infinite answers at your finger tips.
With Our Email Newsletters:
Sign up for our newsletter and get curated stats, recaps, and more from the Baseball Reference to your inbox every morning. No commitment, unsubscribe at any time.
On Social Media:
Stay connected with Baseball Reference on social media! Bringing you stats, trivia, and more on all our channels daily.
Twitter – Instagram – Facebook – TikTok – YouTube – Reddit – LinkedIn
Follow the rest of the Sports Reference sites on social here.
We're Social...for Statheads
Every Sports Reference Social Media Account
Site Last Updated: Friday, May 1, 2:56PM
Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction?
Subscribe to our Free Email Newsletter
Subscribe to Stathead Baseball: Get your first month FREE
Your All-Access Ticket to the Baseball Reference Database
Do you have a sports website? Or write about sports? We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Find out more.