Colorado Rockies rumors: Could Marcus Stroman be a trade target?

During the darkest days of winter, there were rumors that the Toronto Blue Jays and Colorado Rockies might be looking at a trade that would bring starting pitcher Marcus Stroman to the Mile High City. Now, the Rockies may once again be looking at Stroman, but they certainly won’t be alone.

TSN recently reported that Stroman could be on his way out of Toronto as the Blue Jays slip further back in the American League East standings. ESPN’s Buster Olney has also said the Blue Jays are looking at retooling their team. Rumors say that could include shipping off Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista, Stroman and more.

Stroman, a 26-year-old right-hander, currently has an 8-5 mark with a 3.42 ERA as he battles through a blister issue that has ignited discussion on whether Major League baseballs are “juiced” this season.

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Having Stroman as a part of the Rockies rotation would immediately impact a starting pitching lineup that has struggled at times during Colorado’s recent skid. He not only possesses postseason experience but also big game experience, a value that would come in handy among an inexperienced Rockies rotation as the days click away toward September and October. Don’t forget that Stroman threw six spotless innings in Team USA’s win over Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic championship game.

Stroman has arbitration rights through 2020.

Also don’t forget that these two teams have done business before. Colorado and Toronto were trade partners two years ago when the Rockies sent Troy Tulowitzki and LaTroy Hawkins to the Blue Jays in exchange for Jeff Hoffman and three other players. Hoffman is now a key member of the Colorado rotation.

However, it’s a rotation that has seen its ERA balloon to 4.58 on the season heading into Wednesday’s action. After posting a 3.91 combined ERA in May, that number rose to 5.05 in June and sits at 4.98 in July.

Adding an arm like Stroman’s would not only help the Rockies keep up with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West standings, but also cement their spot as a solid Wild Card contender. However, it’s going to take more than just one arm to boost Colorado’s spot in the postseason. We outlined three bullpen arms who could make a difference for the Rockies in the article below.

Next: 3 trade targets for the Colorado bullpen

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