Colorado Rockies: Trade DJ LeMahieu to the Los Angeles Angels?

The Colorado Rockies are in a unique position when it comes to the combination of their Major League roster and their fertile farm system.

Two of the organization’s top prospects, No. 1 prospect shortstop Brendan Rodgers (No. 6 prospect in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100, MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 shortstop prospect) and No. 3 corner infield prospect Ryan McMahon (No. 55 prospect in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100, MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 prospect at first base) have also began playing second base to add to their value.

At the Major League level, Colorado has current super utility infielder Pat Valaika, who came up as a second baseman through the farm system, as well as super utility All-Star Ian Desmond, who played five games at second base with the Washington Nationals back in 2009, who can split time at the position as well.

With so much potential depth at the position, it puts the Rockies in a great place to maximize the needs of others around the league for quality players in return; and continuing to progress the talented stock of infielders their farm system has reaped them with.

Now, that we know why Colorado would make a deal, let’s take a look and see why this could make sense for Los Angeles?

In 2017, the Los Angeles Angels opening day roster started with Danny Espinosa playing second base. He would eventually play in 71 games, slashing a league worst .173/.245/.278 with six home runs, 31 runs batted in, and 4 stolen bases. His -1.6 WAR, and 43 OPS+ were the worst numbers for a starting second baseman in Major League Baseball.

By the trade deadline, the Angels were in such disarray at Second Base, the ball club had played Espinosa, Kaleb Cowart (0.1 WAR, 40th amongst 2nd Baseman), Cliff Pennington (0.0 WAR, 46th amongst 2nd Baseman), Nolan Fontana (-0.3 WAR, 60th amongst Second Baseman), and Nick Franklin (0.1 WAR, 45th amongst Second Baseman) at the position before dealing for Atlanta Braves Second Baseman Brandon Phillips at the waiver trade deadline in August. Phillips would place 30th amongst second baseman for the year with a 0.9 WAR, after hitting .285 / .319 / .416 with 13 home runs, 60 runs batted in, and 11 stolen bases. He helped to solidify the position.

So, the league’s 28th worst production from the second base position according to FanGraphs, is in the market for an upgrade. The Colorado Rockies are dealing from a position of strength. What could this deal potentially bring to Colorado in return?

According to Joel Reuter of BleacherReport, the Rockies and Angels have dwindling farm systems. The Rockies according to his report, rate 19th in the 30 team Major Leagues and the Angels are currently rated dead last. His report, released on September 13, 2017 is the most up to date listing available. With that said, neither team is fully barren. The Rockies farm system, rated 6th at the beginning of 2017, lost a lot of its strength because four of the top pitching prospects played key roles in the Rockies 2017 postseason run.

The Angels on the other hand, have upgraded their best top-level talent to the Major League Ballclub as well, leaving them with a top 10 headlined by lower level outfielders Jahmai Jones and Jo Adell, followed by mid-level 1B Matt Thaiss. This creates a trade situation similar to the Tyler Chatwood-for-Chris Iannetta deal, as reported by the Denver Post on November 30, 2011.

Considering the needs of the Rockies current roster, two potential deals come to mind. First and foremost, we could work out a straight deal for Angels right-hander Parker Bridwell, a 26-year old rookie starter who produced a 10-3 overall record with a 3.64 ERA in 21 games (20 starts) and 121 1/3 Innings pitched. He allowed 49 earned runs, walked 30, struck out 73, and produced a 1.21 WHIP in 2017. Bridwell mixes a four-seam fastball as well as a cutter, slider, and change-up.

A second option, includes two other young rookies who finished 2017 with fairly comparable seasons. They include right-handers Keynan Middleton and Troy Scribner.

Middleton finished 2017 with a 6-1 overall record in 64 games, all out of the bullpen. Posting a 3.86 ERA, he pitched 58 1/3 innings, allowing 60 hits, 25 earned runs, walking 18, while striking out 63. Middleton’s only concern were the 11 home runs he allowed in his rookie campaign. But, with additional experience, and a some work with Colorado pitching coach Steve Foster, we should see those long fly balls decrease. He mixes a four-seam fastball that touches triple digits, with a hard slider and a change-up.

Scribner on the other hand is a different story, he mixes his curveball, change-up, and slider with a four-seam fastball. His four-seam fastball averages 87.53 MPH, while his curveball averaged 69.17 MPH in 2017. He paints the corners well, and mixes his speeds to create more of an illusion to hitters. In 2017, his exit velocity off balls in play was extremely low.

His BABIP for the season was .161 showing he is a master against contact. His overall numbers included a 2-1 record, 4.18 ERA in 10 games (4 starts). He pitched 23 2/1 Innings, allowing just 17 hits, 11 earned runs, with 10 walks, and 18 strikeouts. He finished with a .195 batting average against, and a 1.14 WHIP.

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Final Thoughts

In either trade scenario, the Rockies will be dealing away a cornerstone second baseman in DJ LeMahieu. In either, scenario, Colorado will be gaining a young, controllable arm, who has shown solid promise with strong rookie campaigns. Which route would you prefer? A potential ace in Bridwell or a mid-rotation starter and a potential future closer?