Players on market
MLB trade deadline looms as Rockies look to improve club
When the Rockies sent star third baseman Nolan Arenado — and $51 million — to the Cardinals on February 1, it signaled the start of a rebuild, despite what owner Dick Monfort said.
When it became clear that star shortstop Trevor Story planned to become a free agent at the end of the season, it made sense that the Rockies would explore a trade for Story.
When the Rockies fell 14 games under .500 by the end of May, more players, chief among them right-handed starter Jon Gray, also appeared headed to the trade market.
But with the trade deadline looming at 2 p.m. next Friday, the Rockies are still debating what they’ll do. Interim general manager Bill Schmidt has said he won’t trade anyone if he doesn’t get proper value in return.
Following is an analysis of Colorado’s potential trade candidates.
SS Trevor Story
Why trade him? All indications are that Story, 28, will reject the Rockies’ qualifying offer and become a free agent. Trading Story would take $6.2 million off the books for the rest of the season, money that might go toward signing a future free agent. Plus,
the Rockies might get solid prospects in return. Finally, trading Story would free up playing time for Brendan Rodgers at shortstop.
Possible trade partners: A’s, White Sox, Mets, Reds, and Cardinals. But there’s no obvious frontrunner.
The White Sox already have a standout shortstop in Tim Anderson. For the remainder of the season, Story could play second base. The White Sox have a hole there because Nick Madrigal underwent season-ending surgery on his hamstring in mid-june.
The Mets could use Story as a replacement while Francisco Lindor nurses a lingering oblique injury, shift Story to second upon Lindor’s return, and move Jeff Mcneil to third base.
RHP Jon Gray Why trade him? Like Story, Gray, 29, is scheduled to become a free agent. He is in demand with so many contending teams needing depth in their rotation.
After a scare with a sore right elbow, Gray has come back to pitch very well, posting a 3.68 ERA, and his fastball velocity has ticked up recently to 96-98 mph.
Possible trade partners: It’s a long list. Start with the White Sox, who have been scouting Gray for weeks. The Mets have been ravaged by injuries and Gray makes sense. The Padres have said they will exceed the luxury tax if they have to. Rumors of Gray going to the Dodgers seem unfounded.
1B C.J. Cron Why trade him? Cron will become a free agent. At age 31, he’s not Colorado’s long-term answer at first base but he has plenty of power in his bat, with 14 homers with a .831 OPS. The Rockies might be able to garner some prospects with a trade.
Possible trade partners: Cron’s right-handed power is attractive for a contending team, either as a desigthen nated hitter, a bat off the bench, or a decent-fielding first baseman. The Brewers and Rays are possible fits, as are several other contenders if they miss on landing either Nelson Cruz or Kris Br yant.
RHPS Mychal Givens, Daniel Bard
Why trade them? All the contenders need bullpen help and it would behoove the Rockies to listen to offers for players who do not have to be protected next winter on the 40-man big-league roster.
Possible trade partners: Name a contender and they’re likely to ask the Rockies about both righthanders.