Colorado Rockies: offseason strategy should target 5 players

CATCHER

Current Team: Cincinnati Reds

2017 Statistics:

Offense: .270 BA / .347 OBP / .403 SLG 24-2B, 2-3B, 7 HR, 44 RBI, 4 SB, 42 BB, 68 SO, 3.4 WAR, 96 OPS+
Defense: .999 Fld%, 953 CH, 863 PO, 89 AST, 1 E, 11 DRS, 44% CS% (32/73), 4 PB

Acquisition Route: Trade w/ Reds

Rockies package: RHP Jeff Hoffman, IF Pat Valaika, LHP Harrison Musgrave, C Tom Murphy

Why Barnhart?

Tucker Barnhart has been one of baseball best catchers defensively. He still a developing into an offensive catcher, though his offensive numbers in 2017 were closer to league average. In 2017, Barnhart led all catchers with 14 DRS and a league high 44% caught stealing. He is the best in baseball at controlling the running game.

The Cincinnati Reds just signed Barnhart to a four year extension worth $16 million so the Rockies would need to offer something major in an effort to pry him from the Cincinnati front office.

I believe this gets done by packing together prized pitching prospect Jeff Hoffman, super utility man Pat Valaika, catching prospect Tom Murphy, and minor league prospect Harrison Musgrave.

Added Value: Strong arm, great blocking behind the plate, top notch defense, and the running game is thwarted.

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