Colorado Rockies Rumors: Cardinals Interested in Blackmon?

It’s been discussed a few times before, but it appears that Charlie Blackmon is by no means an “untouchable” player when it comes to trade talks with the Colorado Rockies.

According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals are interested in Colorado’s All-Star center fielder and have talked to the Rockies about his availability. Blackmon becoming a part of a National League Central powerhouse was discussed a few weeks ago when it was rumored the Chicago Cubs were interested. It’s also now a topic of discussion with their rivals in St. Louis.

In his article, Goold says, via two sources, that the Rockies are open to trading Blackmon. He also says the Rockies are seeking “a high return” in exchange for Chuck Nazty.

Blackmon is coming off a career year where he batted .324 with 29 homers and 82 RBI. He also captured his first-ever Silver Slugger Award, a tribute to the power he gave to the Rockies at the top of the lineup in 2016. He also has 88 stolen bases over the last three seasons, showing that he can do damage with his bat and his legs. That’s an intriguing combo for any MLB team.

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Just after the 2016 season concluded, the Cardinals made it clear that center field was a priority for them in the offseason. They’ve been rumored to be looking at several candidates, including Ben Revere, Lorenzo Cain and Blackmon.

They key question, as was discussed in this article, is what the Rockies could get in return for their 30-year-old leadoff hitter. With Colorado seemingly in a “win now” mode, getting anything other than immediate contributors would go against the direction the Rockies have been pointing since last season ended.

Next: The Top 5 Center Fielders in Colorado History

The “high return” would have to not only ensure the Rockies wouldn’t slip offensively in Blackmon’s absence, but also set the team up to compete for seasons beyond this one. Are the Cardinals or any other team prepared to do that? That’s the biggest question lording over any potential trade involving Blackmon.