Wheel and deal
Blockbuster trades are not part of the Rockies’ DNA, but they’ll have to make a smart deal, or two, or three, to become a competitive team. Former GM Jeff Bridich is best known by Rockies fans for his feud with Nolan Arenado, which eventually led to the infamous trade that sent the star third baseman to St. Louis. But Bridich was also the architect of one of the best trades in Rockies history. In January 2016, he acquired right-hander German Marquez (an All-star in 2021) and lefty reliever Jake Mcgee from Tampa Bay for outfielder Corey Dickerson and infielder Kevin Padlo. Bill Schmidt, Bridich’s successor, has shown that he’s willing to make deals. Before last year’s trade deadline, Schmidt dealt veterans Mike Moustakas, C.J. Cron, Randal Grichuk, Brad Hand and Pierce Johnson to acquire several minor-league pitchers. In a trade with the Guardians in November 2022, Schmidt acquired left fielder Nolan Jones, a potential All-star. But is Schmidt willing and able to pull off a bold trade? Arizona GM Mike Hazen has been. In 2016, a month after he took the job, he shipped Jean Segura, Mitch Haniger and Zac Curtis to Seattle for infielder Ketel Marte and right-hander Taijuan Walker. Marte has been Arizona’s best player over the last seven years and was named the NL Championship Series MVP last fall. In July 2019, Hazen swapped infield prospect Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Marlins for right-hander Zac Gallen, and then watched Gallen evolve into the D-backs’ best pitcher. In December 2022, Hazen acquired young catcher Gabriel Moreno and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from the Blue Jays for outfielder Daulton Varsho. Moreno and Gurriel were key players in Arizona’s run to the 2023 World Series. Colorado has a surplus of talented position players in the minor leagues, particularly outfielders Jordan Beck, Yanquiel Fernandez, Zac Veen, Benny Montgomery and Hunter Goodman. Schmidt has indicated he’d be open to trading a prospect if the right deal materializes. History says he might have to.