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Colorado Rockies: offseason strategy should target 5 players

By James LaGrow

DENVER, CO - APRIL 09: The statue of 'The Player' stands watch outside the stadium as the San Francisco Giants face the Colorado Rockies on Opening Day at Coors Field on April 9, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 09: The statue of 'The Player' stands watch outside the stadium as the San Francisco Giants face the Colorado Rockies on Opening Day at Coors Field on April 9, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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CATCHER

Player: Tucker Barnhart

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

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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