Colorado Rockies trade talk: Which prospects should the Rockies move?

Down on the farm, the Colorado Rockies have no shortage of prospects to use in potential trades.

The Rockies are buyers, just two games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West and a game and a half out of a Wild Card spot. But even after winning 15 of 19 games, the Rockies could use more consistent pitching (both rotation and bullpen) and another big bat to add depth. Just today, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and FOX Sports reported the Rockies are scouting a trio of Baltimore Orioles pitchers: Zach Britton, Dylan Bundy and Colorado-native Kevin Gausman.

So — at the risk of turning this into a reality show — who should go and who should stay as the Rockies search for trade targets?

Let’s take a look at some ideas…

The (Nearly) Untouchable

The Rockies’ number-one prospect, Brendan Rodgers, is cruising through Minor League Baseball. Since being drafted in the first round in 2015, the 21-year-old Rodgers is developing into the slugger the Rockies envisioned. He seems primed to replace second baseman DJ LeMahieu at some point next season.

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Playing this year for the Double-A Hartford Yard Goats, Rodgers is slashing .276/.340/.504 with 17 home runs. On July 19, he had two walk-off hits in one day (tantalizing for those who believe in the “clutch gene”). He’s also developing as a baserunner; he’s stolen 12 bases this season, as many as his previous three years in the minors combined. One would think Rodgers is untouchable in the Rockies organization.

But did the organization show its hand with some recent moves?

Despite his expected arrival in 2019, Rodgers remains in Double-A. Meanwhile, the Rockies called up Garrett Hampson to replace LeMahieu, who will likely spend significant time on the disabled list. Though it’s a mistake to overreact over two games of good hard contact and a few stellar defensive plays, Hampson looks more than capable of playing second base (he’s also an attractive trade target himself).

The Rockies would throw a wrench in their succession plan by trading Rodgers. But let’s say the Rockies want to land an ace like Jacob deGrom. Giving up Rodgers might be the only way to make that deal happen.

The Big Chips

As Roxpile’s Kevin Henry pointed out, Raimel Tapia is making himself a valuable trade asset for the Rockies.

I know the idea of trading Tapia is a punch to the gut. I love his attitude and the “con mucho swagger” mantra. His July 20 pinch-hit grand slam is a top-10 moment of the decade. If Tapia is sent packing, Rockies Twitter will start a virtual riot. But he might be the trading chip the Rockies need to swing a deal.

Tapia is clearly not intimidated by Major League pitching (though he could use more plate discipline), slashing .280/.329/.407 in 230 plate appearances with the Rockies. He deserves to be a starter. But unfortunately, this is an outfield crowded with lefties, more so when David Dahl returns. And Tapia struggles with the massive outfield at Coors. It pains me to write this, but Colorado might not be the place for Tapia.

Speaking of Dahl, could the Rockies send him away in a trade? Dahl’s injury history is a concern, but let’s say an American League team (like the Orioles) needs both a corner outfielder and a bat with pop. The designated hitter option could help Dahl be cautious with nagging injuries.

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Then there’s Ryan McMahon. It’s been a bizzare season for the 23-year-old infielder. McMahon has nothing left to prove in the minors, yet hasn’t made a splash in the majors as the Rockies limited his playing time. He is slashing just .211/.283/.337 in 106 plate appearances. He was clearly improving as a hitter before the Rockies sent him back down, but McMahon’s potential could make him part of a lucrative trade package.

Finally, for a team that needs a promising pitching prospect, Peter Lambert is another trade chip. He was fantastic in Hartford, with an 2.57 ERA, 79 strikeouts and just 15 walks in 18 starts. He was assigned to Triple-A Albuquerque on June 30 and is off to a decent start at one of the most hitter-friendly parks in the minor leagues.

However, I’d strongly advise against dealing Lambert. I know the Rockies rotation seems crowded at the moment, but the complexion could change dramatically by next season. Chad Bettis is struggling with both injury and performance while Antonio Senzatela and German Marquez are worryingly inconsistent. Lambert is an immensely talented, four-pitch guy who could be a valuable member of the rotation as soon as next season.