Colorado Rockies rumors: Is there interest in Josh Harrison?

Are the Colorado Rockies a potential fit as a trade partner for Josh Harrison of the Pittsburgh Pirates? One well-known national writer says not only are they a fit but that the Rockies have expressed interest in Harrison’s services.

According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Rockies have been tied to discussions surrounding Harrison, as have the New York Yankees and Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. Harrison is a two-time All-Star who has one year left on a four-year, $27.3 million contract he signed with the Pirates. Last season in an All-Star campaign, he hit .272 with 16 homers and 47 RBI and swiped 12 bases.

In 19 career games at Coors Field, the 30-year-old Harrison is hitting .364 and had a .924 OPS. Those are his highest numbers at any park with a minimum of 10 games played.

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One of the things that teams reportedly love most about Harrison is his ability to play multiple positions, a trait that the Rockies have shown to be highly valuable in recent seasons. Last season for the Pirates, Harrison played 83 games at second base, 49 at third base and nine in the outfield.

Naturally, with Nolan Arenado and DJ LeMahieu as All-Stars at their positions, Harrison would likely settle in the outfield if he were to land in Denver. It’s well known that the Rockies could potentially be interested in an upgrade at the corner outfield position and Harrison could well be a fit there. With this potential scenario, as Heyman points out, Ian Desmond could settle into first base on a full-time basis rather than split time between the outfield and first base as he did last season.

Next: Can the Rockies really keep up with the Dodgers in the National League West?

So what would it take to get Harrison? According to this article on PiratesBreakdown.com, pitcher Yency Almonte and last year’s highest draft pick of Ryan Vilade are said to be of interest to Pittsburgh. The article mentions Ryan McMahon as a “dream get” in a trade scenario but it is very unlikely the Rockies would surrender McMahon. Catcher Tom Murphy and pitcher Sam Howard are also mentioned.

UPDATE: In a conference call with media that Rox Pile attended, Colorado GM Jeff Bridich indicated he wasn’t sure where this rumor originated and seemed to shoot down any intentions of his team and Harrison coming together on a deal.