Colorado Rockies rumors: Interest in Detroit’s J.D. Martinez?

We had talked in an earlier article about the Colorado Rockies being interested in Detroit Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez. A tweet sent out on Sunday morning further fanned the flames of that rumor.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network and FOX Sports broadcast a tweet on Sunday morning saying the Rockies were interested in Martinez. The 29-year-outfielder has also been rumored to be in the trade discussions with Colorado’s National League West rivals, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Whichever team lands Martinez will land an outfielder who is having a solid season in the Motor City. Martinez, who spent his first three Major League seasons in Houston before heading to Detroit, is hitting .306 this season with 15 home runs and 37 RBI heading into Sunday’s action. Additionally, Martinez has flourished this season against left-handed pitching.

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Colorado’s corner outfield situation has been fluid at best this season. Carlos Gonzalez has been mired in a season-long slump. David Dahl is working his way back from a rib injury that has sidelined him all season. Ian Desmond is returning to Colorado’s lineup on Sunday after suffering a calf injury before the All-Star break.

While Colorado has dealt with injuries and slumps in its corner outfield positions, the team could also be viewing Martinez as a way to reignite an offense that has been dormant at times in recent weeks. That’s one of the reasons why Colorado has slipped to 11.5 games behind the Dodgers heading into Sunday’s action.

Next: Looking at relief pitchers the Rockies may target in trades

Although the division title is getting further and further out of reach, a move to bolster Colorado’s offense could help the Rockies in their quest for the postseason. The Rockies are just two games behind the Diamondbacks in the race to host the Wild Card game. Colorado is also looking to ensure that the Chicago Cubs or another team doesn’t make a charge at them for the second Wild Card spot.