Colorado Rockies morning after: Revisiting the future at second base

By Aaron Hurt | Jul 21, 2018

PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 21: Pat Valaika #4 (R) of the Colorado Rockies high fives Garrett Hampson #7 after Hampson scored a run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on July 21, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Just last week, I shared my view on how the Colorado Rockies should think about re-signing their Gold Glove-winning second baseman DJ LeMahieu and use top prospect Brendan Rodgers as a valuable trade piece to make a run at the playoffs. Well, a lot has happened in last couple of days and my view has changed … slightly.

As you are all aware by now, on Saturday, DJ LeMahieu was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a strained oblique and Garrett Hampson was unexpectedly called up for his Major League debut. To make room for Hampson on the 40-man roster, Daniel Castro was designated for assignment.

This move left many unanswered questions. Why didn’t the Rockies call up Ryan McMahon? He already has big league experience and he is a natural second baseman. Or why not give the top prospect Rodgers a call-up? He is the golden child of the organization, so let’s see what he can do.

These two questions got my conspiracy theory juices flowing. Just maybe calling up Hampson is a sign that the Rockies are willing to trade Rodgers.

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Hear me out. By calling up Hampson, who has hit a combined .308 with eight home runs in Double-A and Triple-A this year, the Rockies get to hold their first audition for the future of second base. If Hampson can prove that he can handle Major League pitching and that he belongs with the big boys, there is no longer any room for Rodgers in the organization.

Rodgers, a natural shortstop, has Trevor Story, who is under Rockies control for three more years, blocking his pathway to the majors. If Hampson is ready, that also blocks Rodgers’ way from joining the Rockies at second.

Of course, Hampson could struggle while DJ is out, making all of this a moot point … but if Saturday night’s first impression was any indication, the Rockies front office might have some serious decisions to make.

Next: What we saw from Hampson and Rodgers in spring training

Whatever happens, having too many prospects at a position is a better problem to have than having zero prospects … and the Rockies now have an abundance in the middle of the infield.

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