Colorado Rockies trade deadline: Where roster upgrades are needed

1 of 2

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 06: Peter Lambert #23 of the Colorado Rockies pitches in the third inning during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on June 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /

As the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches, Major League Baseball teams are assessing their roster and taking a self-inventory for the second half of the season. This includes the Colorado Rockies.

Currently sitting in the thick of the Wild Card race, the Colorado Rockies, without a doubt, will be buyers at the trade deadline. However, looking through the roster, there are quite a few deficiencies that they will need to address going forward. Here is a look at a few of them:

Starting Rotation

What was supposed to be a strength heading into the season, the rotation has turn into a total mess many nights. The injury to Tyler Anderson and the struggles of Kyle Freeland have thrust Jeff Hoffman and Peter Lambert into the back end of the rotation. That is not a recipe for making the playoffs.

The Rockies are going to need to add one or two arms before the trade deadline. Assuming that Kyle Freeland regains his command in the minors, that leaves the Rockies searching for one more front-line starter. Whether that is trading for Marcus Stroman, Matthew Boyd or one of the many other starters who are potentially on the trading block, the Rockies will need to make a move to keep pace in the National League.

Bullpen

Speaking of adding an arm or two, the bullpen is also in need of an upgrade. After Mike Dunn was designated for assignment, the Rockies’ bullpen has only Jake McGee throwing from the left side. Also, the recent late-inning drama shows that they need to add more than just another lefty.

The Rockies may not have to look externally to fill these voids. When Chris Rusin was not claimed off waivers after he was designated for assignment a couple of weeks ago, he was sent to Triple-A Albuquerque in hopes he can return to his 2017 form where he was one of the Rockies’ most effective relievers.

The other internal candidate is the right-handed Seunghwan Oh. The prized addition from last season’s trade deadline, Oh was placed on the Injured List with an abdominal strain after giving up 19 earned runs in 18.1 innings in 21 appearances. If Oh and/or Rusin can figure out a way to right the ship, the Rockies may not have to make a trade.

DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 09: Mark Reynolds #12 of the Colorado Rockies circles the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on May 09, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Bench

For how potent the Rockies offense has been in the month of June, the thumb injury to Trevor Story and the lingering toe issue with Nolan Arenado has exposed a serious flaw in the roster. The Rockies’ bench is extremely thin.

Half of the four-man bench is locked down with Raimel Tapia as the fourth outfielder and Chris Iannetta backing up at catcher. However, the other two spots are in need of an upgrade.

At the utility infield spot, Pat Valaika and Brendan Rodgers will battle it out over the next few weeks to determine who stays on the roster once Story returns from the Injured List. That increased competition should help solidify that role.