Rockies trade rumors: starting pitching edition

Sonny Gray is another option for the Rockies and he’s currently with the Oakland Athletics.

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In 2017, he is 4-4 with an ERA of 4.00 in 13 starts. In 2016, he was 5-11 with a 5.69 ERA in 22 starts. While that might not scream “top-flight pitcher,” but he’s in the right category.

In 2014 and 2015 (his first two full MLB seasons) combined, he was 28-17 with a 2.91 ERA in 64 starts and he was an All-Star in 2015.

He also has postseason experience as in two starts in the 2013 American League Division Series, he went 13 innings and only allowed three runs (for an ERA of 2.08).

Since he has not pitched as well in the past two seasons (partially due to injuries since the beginning of the 2016 season, he has spent time on the disabled list for a strained right trapezius, strained right forearm, and strained right shoulder), the Rockies might be able to snatch Gray up as a buy-low candidate. He is a risk (as the injuries show) but he can be very-high reward.

Final Thoughts

Of these starters, I believe that one of the lower ranked starters (Hellickson and Cahill) will become a Rockie in the near future. Cahill, even though his Coors Field numbers haven’t been fabulous, could be particularly interesting because he has proved that he can be effective in the rotation and the bullpen so the Rockies could potentially use him in both roles. Hellickson would also be interesting to see as he provide some veteran leadership and he’s been on postseason teams before with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Of the top flight pitchers, I believe that Quintana will be the most likely to become a Rockie. He’s a young, controllable lefty who has pitched very well in seasons past. Since he has struggled a bit this season, the asking price, while still high, might have come down a little bit. In addition, the Rockies saw him pitch on Saturday in Coors and they had to be impressed with him since he struck out 10 in 5 1/3 innings.

Next: Each Month’s Key Series for the 2nd Half for the Rox

Obviously, we don’t know exactly what the Rockies will do (or could be doing right now) before the deadline but I do know that they will try to acquire at least one starter before the deadline. Whether it comes to fruition or not, though, remains to be seen.