Colorado Rockies: Trade Charlie Blackmon to the St. Louis Cardinals?

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The two prospects the Rockies would receive in return, include No. 5 prospect Harrison Bader, a toolsy center fielder, whom A.E. Schafer, of the Cardinals SB Nation page Viva El Birdos, goes as far as to compare him to Jim Edmonds. In 2017, Harrison spent some time at the big league level, hitting .235 / .283 / .376 in 32 games, with three doubles, three home runs, two stolen bases, and 10 runs batted in. At Triple-A, his numbers were more in line with what everyone has come to see from him: .283 / .347 / .469 with 20 home runs, 55 runs batted in and 15 stolen bases – all from the leadoff spot.

And finally, the Rockies would receive No 23 prospect, right-hander Ryan Helsley. Helsley is current starting for the Cardinals Triple-A team in Memphis. In 2017, Helsley played across three levels, and put up stellar numbers — 11-3 with a 2.72 ERA, striking out 137 on 48 walks in 132 innings. According to Scouts on MLB.com, Helsley is viewed as a long-term bullpen arm, but the Cardinals continue developing him as a starter.

Overall, this trade helps both clubs and their immediate needs, while securing future components to the rosters as well. The Cardinals get a bonafide star in Charlie Blackmon, and a future building block in their starting rotation with Jeff Hoffman.

The Rockies will receive a middle reliever who can be added to their bullpen now, and a top outfield prospect some compare to Jim Edmonds who can replace Charlie Blackmon in the lineup now. Weaver adds more starting depth and could compete in spring training for a starting position, or be another component to the bullpen picture in 2018.

Next: Who will join Chris Rusin in the Colorado bullpen next season?

In all, this trade would help both organizations now. Grade: B

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