It’s a familiar refrain that Rockies fans throw my way.

“Owner Dick Monfort is a cheapskate,” say the disgruntled. “The fans are still in Coors Field, but he’s not investing in the team on the field.”

This criticism reached a crescendo recently when we reported that The Rockies’ payroll would take a hit in 2025.

The criticism is not supported by the facts.

However, it is more than fair to criticize How The Rockies spent their money. And we’re not just talking about scratching your head, seven-year, $172 million contract they gave Kris Bryant before the 2022 season.

Colorado’s payroll has pretty much matched its mid-market status for several years. In 2018, their final playoff season, the Rockies total payroll of $143.9 million (according to Spotrac) ranked 13th in the majors. In 2019, their salaries of $157.1 million ranked 11th; in 2023, their salaries of $171.0 million ranked 14th.

But in 2024, as the club lost more than 100 games for the second straight year, salaries dropped to $147.4 (17th). Like most major league teams that do not own their own TV networks, the Rockies’ cash flow has been disrupted by the disappearance of regional sports networks. Look for this trend to continue.

I predict that after the Rockies make a few trades in the offseason and give up a few players — right-hander Cal Quantrill, with his projected $9 million salary is the most likely player to be moved — the payroll could drop to 130 million dollars. Don’t forget: The club will no longer have Charlie Blackmon’s $13 million contract.

A lot depends on whether the team adds a veteran bat and a veteran reliever, but as a lower-cost company in Colorado the youth movement hits his stride, he’ll likely rank 20th out of 30 teams in total salary.

It’s the right approach – for now.

The club should save their resources to invest in youngsters like big leaguers Gold Glove outfielder Brenton Doyle and prospects who have a chance to become the stars of tomorrow. I mean players like pitchers Chase Dollander and Carson Palmquist, as well as outfielders Zach Veen and Yanquiel Fernandezshould develop as the Rockies hope.

General manager Bill Schmidt and the front office made a smart move last spring he signed the short film Ezequiel Tovar to a seven-year, $63.5 million contract extension. The deal includes a team option for 2031 that could increase the deal to $84 million over eight seasons. Tovar has a chance to be the best shortstop in franchise history, so the contract looks like a bargain.

Let’s face it: The Rockies are never going to challenge financial machines like the Mets, Dodgers, Yankees and Phillies. That’s not to say the Rockies can’t compete, but going forward, they need to get better at developing their own players.

In 2024, as they stumbled to their 61-101 record, the Rockies spent $2.41 million per win, 14th most in the majors. Not surprisingly, the Mets ranked No. 1. Their $317.8 million payroll led to an 89-73 record and a berth in the National League Championship Series. The Mets spent $3.57 million per win.

Of course, the Mets and Rockies are apples and oranges. But five playoff teams with lower payrolls than the Rockies also spent significantly less per win: Kansas City ($1.42 million), Milwaukee ($1.24 million), Baltimore ($1.21 million) , Cleveland ($1.16 million) and Detroit ($1.15 million).

To end its lost tradition, Colorado needs to stop making foolish payroll choices.

At the top of the list, of course, was Monfort’s decision to give Bryant that mega-deal. I believe the Bryant signing was Monfort’s attempt to “make good” on the unpopular Nolan Arenado trade in 2021. Monfort overpaid for star power even though other teams knew Bryant’s star was fading.

Bryant is still on the books for four more years and $104 million.