Colorado Rockies: 3 potential trade targets at first base

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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 01: A Rockies fan holds up a sign about the post season prior to a regular season MLB game between the Colorado Rockies and the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Russell Lansford/Getty Images) /

It’s no secret the Colorado Rockies have struggled at times this season with their offense. It’s also no secret where the Rockies need to improve in order to get back to the postseason.

Colorado’s lack of production at the first base and corner outfield spot were concerns in spring training and continue to be concerns as we head into the middle of May. Question marks in both positions have yet to be answered … and the answers that have been put on the field have yet to make any kind of significant impact.

So what do the Rockies do? At first glance, one would think they might look to the farm system for help. However, there seems to be either a lack of trust in the players who might be possibilities for a call-up or the options who are there are no better than the ones the Rockies currently field.

Ryan McMahon and Raimel Tapia were thought to be young players who could make an impact this season for the Rockies at first base and in the outfield, respectively. However, Tapia has yet to see any time in Denver this season while McMahon’s lack of playing time and ability to get into a rhythm at the plate was partially the reason he was sent back to Triple-A.

Without solid options that seem to have the trust of manager Bud Black and/or Rockies management, the organization is going to have to look outside to find an impact bat. Yes, we’re talking trades here.

So what could that mean? Let’s take a look at some potential targets and the reality of it actually happening for the Rockies. In this article, we’ll focus on first base. We will discuss one that we brought up in December, one that has been on the burner for a while and one that is a little out of the box.

SAN DIEGO, CA – MAY 8: Matt Adams #15 of the Washington Nationals hits an RBI double during the fifth inning of a baseball game against San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on May 8, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

Matt Adams, Washington Nationals

Adams is having a strong start to the 2018 campaign and the Washington Nationals are enjoying the benefits of signing him to a one-year, $4 million deal in the offseason. The 29-year-old has a .284/.394/.670 slash with a 1.065 OPS heading into Saturday’s games. Expected to split time with Ryan Zimmerman, Adams has played more than expected because of injuries … and has proven that $4 million investment to be a good one with 10 homers and 25 RBI to his credit.

Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox

This has generated a lot of discussion among Rockies fans for quite some time. The price tag ($13 million this season) is higher for Abreu … and the White Sox could well want more in terms of prospects for the established 31-year-old slugger.

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The resume is certainly there for Abreu. He has belted at least 25 home runs and driven in at least 100 runs in each of the past four seasons. He has hit seven this season while putting together a .280/.351/.492 (heading into Saturday’s games) this season.

Again, it seems like a good fit for the Rockies. The price isn’t outrageous and the White Sox are in rebuild mode. He could provide some pop and bring some offense to a part of the Colorado lineup where it is desperately needed.

But would the Rockies be willing to give up prospects to get him? That’s the biggest question when it comes to Abreu (or any slugger who is out there). Well … maybe except for the next possibility.

Reality check: For the right price, Abreu could be in Denver. However, the Rockies didn’t pull the trigger in the offseason despite rumors linking the two. The White Sox will entertain reasonable offers … but will Colorado provide one?

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 17: Neil Walker #14 of the New York Yankees reacts after he struck out in the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium on April 17, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Neil Walker, New York Yankees

If you are wondering if there’s a first baseman who is struggling as much as Ian Desmond out there, look no further than the Bronx and Neil Walker.

Colorado Rockies

Wait a minute, you say. I’m talking about the Rockies entertaining the thought of bringing someone in who is struggling perhaps as much as the player we’re talking about him replacing? Yes … but hear me out here.

In his first American League season and having a one-year, $4 million contract, Walker is hitting just .200/.289/.250 in 29 games. Yes, those are absolutely atrocious numbers. However, let’s look before his days in the pinstripes. In nine seasons prior with the Mets, Pirates and Brewers, he put together a .272/.341/.437 slash. That includes 38 games with Milwaukee last season when the Mets traded him to help the Brewers try to catch the Rockies for the second Wild Card spot. In those 38 games, he hit .267/.409/.433.

Walker has succeeded in the National League before and was seen as a solid trade piece as recently as last season. The Yankees aren’t enamored with him and have Greg Bird coming back very soon to take over at first base. Send a player to be named later for Walker and bring him to Coors Field to see if he can rediscover his National League mojo with the Rockies.

He’s played just 41 games at first base in his career, with the majority of those coming over the last two seasons. But a lack of experience at first base hasn’t stopped the Rockies lately, right? He has played primarily second base since breaking into the league in 2009 so there’s the versatility the Rockies love as well.

Next: These numbers show just how much the Rockies are struggling at the bottom of the order

Reality check: It’s a stretch but it could happen. New York is overflowing in the infield and Walker could be the odd man out and looking for a new home. Make an offer and see what happens.

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