Ezequiel Tovar aims to help Rockies improve

HOUSTON – Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar is not very outspoken, but his actions on and off the field speak for themselves. A sweaty Tovar walked into the visitors’ clubhouse at Daikin Park with two bats in hand. The trail of perspiration staining the Astros’ floor was indicative of the completion of an intense batting practice session. 

The 24-year-old shortstop stopped at his locker for a drink of water and checked the time on his phone.

When asked if he had the time for a quick interview, he said, “Not now, I have to work,” and walked into the training room to continue his preparation for the game against the Astros on Tuesday night. 

Later, Tovar came on to the field to work on defensive drills before taking a few more rounds of batting practice. While the Maracay, Venezuela, native trains daily to refine his craft, Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer has noticed that Tovar’s work ethic spread through the clubhouse. 

Leading the way

“Tovar is definitely one the role models of this team,” Schaeffer said, “with the way he goes about of his business everyday, the way he prepares and works. He’s only 24 years old, and he’s a great example for the rest of the guys.”

The Rockies lost a league-worst 119 games last season. That didn’t sit well with Tovar and his teammates. Those shortcomings are discussed regularly in the clubhouse as the Rockies plan to avoid another 100-loss season. 

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Tovar and his team agreed to focus on the little things and practice how they play. He may not rally the room with a memorable speech, but the right-handed slugger strives to lead by example and follow through on the team’s goals. 

“I always try to play my part by sharing a word or giving 100 percent on the field,” Tovar said. “I feel happy, but I think everyone here is trying to do the same thing.”

This work ethic and leadership led him garner the starting shortstop in the World Baseball Classic for the talented Venezuelan team that featured Ronald Acuña Jr, Maikel Garcia and Eugenio Suarez. Tovar led the 2026 WBC champions in batting average batting (.417) and OPS (1.147). He was second behind San Francisco Giant’s Luis Arraez in doubles with eight. 

Advice from Venezuelan greats

His offensive surge helped the Venezuelans secure their first WBC championship. Venezuela finished second in Pool D after losing to the Dominican Republic in the last game of pool play. Venezuela later beat Japan, Italy and the United States to become the first South American team to win the tournament. 

Playing among some of the best in baseball and being coached by Astros bench coach Omar Lopez, the young slugger took the opportunity to learn from the best. Tovar talked with future hall of famer Miguel Cabrera and others on ways he can improve. 

“I took in a lot of advice,” he said. “There were a lot of stars for Venezuela in the WBC like (coaches) Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera. Believe me, I asked a lot of questions. And I have a lot of things I need to put in play.”

The Rockies hope to change their fortunes in 2026. Surely, Ezequiel Tovar’s motivation to improve daily can aid Colorado’s chances to finish with a winning record.