Colorado Rockies Rumors: Latest on Blackmon and Trumbo Talk

Baseball’s winter meetings may have concluded but that doesn’t mean the rumors surrounding the Colorado Rockies have died down.

Despite agreeing with Ian Desmond on a five-year, $70 million contract and reportedly asking him to play first base, the Rockies are reportedly still very much in the hunt for Mark Trumbo. The right-handed slugger who led the Major Leagues last season with 47 homers has long been a target of the Rockies and it appears that pursuit is still underway, despite Desmond’s signing.

As Chris Cotillo mentions in this article, signing Trumbo might be more affordable now than it was earlier in the week. With the Rockies already surrendering their 11^th overall pick in the 2017 draft in order to sign Desmond, Colorado would have to give up its second-round pick to the Baltimore Orioles to sign Trumbo.

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Adding another first baseman (and one that normally plays the position as opposed to Desmond who never has in his big league career) to a money-laden contract would suggest that Desmond might be playing another position for the Rockies in 2017. He played outfield last season for the Texas Rangers … so is that where he could ultimately end up with the Rockies?

If so, it creates a logjam in the outfield … and stirs some of the rumors we’ve been hearing about Charlie Blackmon potentially being on the trading block. We heard the possibility that the St. Louis Cardinals might be interested in Blackmon. However, it was leaked on Thursday night that the Cardinals are close to signing former Colorado outfielder Dexter Fowler to a massive contract. With that, they should be out of the running for Blackmon’s services.

Jon Heyman reported on Thursday that the Washington Nationals inquired about Blackmon before signing Adam Eaton to a contract. Washington was reportedly interested in Blackmon during the buildup to last season’s trading deadline.

Next: Our Exclusive Chat with MLB Insider Chris Cotillo

While at least two National League squads have shown interest in Blackmon, Toronto is still a possibility as well. The Blue Jays and Rockies have talked about a trade that could help the Rockies with starting pitching by acquiring Marcus Stroman. You can read more about that here.