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Colorado Rockies: Preview of the 2018-19 offseason and free agency

By Tyson Crocker

MIAMI, FL - JULY 10: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies and the National League talks with Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals and the National League during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day ahead of the 88th MLB All-Star Game at Marlins Park on July 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JULY 10: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies and the National League talks with Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals and the National League during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day ahead of the 88th MLB All-Star Game at Marlins Park on July 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Could the Colorado Rockies land Wilson Ramos
ANAHEIM, CA – MAY 18: Wilson Ramos #40 of the Tampa Bay Rays is greeted in the dugout after a two run home run in the third inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on May 18, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Yasmani Grandal

Bats: S // Throws: R

2019 Opening Day Age: 30

According to Baseball-Reference.com, since 2016, the switch-hitting Grandal has hit 73 home runs and driven in 198 runs and has a slash of .239/.332/.467, and in that time, he ranks second among qualified Major League catchers in WAR with 8.7. Thats an average of 24 homers, 66 RBI, and 2.9 WAR. The guy can flat rake. And we know that a guy who can hit like that while playing half his games at Dodger Stadium, plus another 18 in San Diego and San Francisco is no fluke.

Another huge benefit is his defense, he leads all catchers in Defensive Runs Saved over that period of time with 37. The next closest? Yadier Molina of the Cardinals with 9, while also throwing out 28% of would be base stealers. He’s a very good all around player and what would he look like playing half of his games at Coors Field? It could make for one of the deadliest lineups in all of baseball, and you hurt the Dodgers in doing so. He could cost the Rockies a pretty penny, but locking down an All-Star caliber catcher is a no brainer to me.

Wilson Ramos

2019 Opening Day Age: 31

Bats: R // Throws: R

If you read my article on Jeff Bridich, you know that I have a small crush on Wilson Ramos. Injuries aside, he’s been one of the most under valued players in all of baseball this season, and the Phillies stole him from Tampa at the deadline.

Obviously the Phillies season hasn’t ended the way they wanted it to (yikes), but Ramos has still produced during his short time in Philly (.337/.396/.483 in 31 games) and will command a decent amount of interest when he hits the market this offseason. The Rockies should be one of those teams at the very least giving him a call.

Ramos sits in the top five in most major hitting categories for catchers in 2018, and has reputation as a good defensive catcher, but his offensive prowess and veteran mentality would provide a much needed boost to the Rockies catching corp for 2019 and possible beyond. His combined slash between Tampa and Philly sits at .306/.358/.487 to go along with 15 homers and 70 RBI in 111 games. That’s offensive production the Rockies haven’t seen out of the catcher’s spot since Wilin Rosario.

Other options: Devin Mesoraco, Jonathan Lucroy, Tom Murphy

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