Want the Colorado Rockies to win now? The plan and the consequences

J.D. Martinez.

Jordan Freemyer of Purple Row recently wrote a well thought out piece on why J.D. Martinez is a great fit for the Rockies and for Coors Field. I tend to agree on all points. He’s a fantastic hitter, who would protect Nolan Arenado in the lineup, and make the Rockies one of the more potent offenses in all of MLB.

With the Rockies considering moving Blackmon to the middle of the lineup, the idea of Blackmon/Arenado/Martinez/Story/Parra/McMahon, etc., is exciting! Martinez has reportedly become disenchanted with the Boston Red Sox, and their unwillingness to improve their original contract offer. There haven’t been many other suitors that have been linked to him as of mid-February. I think the Rockies could likely get him for 125 million over five years. That’s a good deal for both.

The downside is this would impact Colorado’s ability to retain Blackmon and Arenado. With the depth the Rockies have in the farm system, losing Blackmon in 2019 is worth the risk of going for it all now. Arenado is going to command a substantial contract when he hits free agency after the 2019 campaign. Whether or not the Rockies can afford him shouldn’t impact trying to win in the next two years.

Signing Martinez would likely mean that Blackmon and DJ LeMehiau aren’t in purple pinstripes in 2019. The Rockies are stockpiled with high ceiling players to fill those voids, and it would be worth letting those well liked and highly talented guys go to have a shot at a World Series now. The Rockies 2019 lineup would still be formidable with Tapia leading off, Desmond hitting second and playing first base, Martinez or Arenado hitting third and fourth, Story, McMahon, Iannetta, Brendan Rodgers, etc.

Next: 2 things we have already learned about the Rockies this spring

J.D. Martinez, combined with the young arms that make up the starting pitching staff and the huge offseason bullpen additions, would make the Rockies a big-time playoff team, and he’s downright affordable after an offseason that’s been as slow as any in history. Go get him.