The Colorado Rockies who shouldn't be traded at the deadline

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With an 11-5 loss on Saturday afternoon to the New York Yankees, the Colorado Rockies slipped to 46-52 on the season, including 20-28 away from Coors Field. It was also Colorado’s sixth consecutive loss and their 13th defeat in their last 15 games.

So are the Colorado Rockies turning into sellers as the trade deadline creeps even closer? After the loss, the Rockies were tied with the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates (depending on the outcome of Pittsburgh’s night game against Philadelphia) in the Wild Card standings, five games out of a playoff spot.

Let’s be clear, that isn’t an insurmountable deficit. It’s also not an easy one to overcome, knowing there are eight teams either tied or ahead of the Rockies in the Wild Card standings.

But does this mean that they’re sellers? It is looking unlikely that Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich will do any buying unless the Rockies can turn their season around quickly. Judging by his comments in this article (and what we have all seen in plenty of Rockies games this season), much is needed to turn around the Rockies at the moment.

There have been some names floated in rumors that might be potential trade pieces. However, not every idea (or rumor) is a good idea. Let’s look at some of the names who have been mentioned and why the Rockies shouldn’t consider trading them.

As a note, this article won’t include players like Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story, David Dahl or many others who are obviously no-trade candidates

Scott Oberg

There is an argument to be made that Scott Oberg is Colorado’s most valuable trade chip at the moment. Jon Morosi of MLB Network has tweeted that the Rockies aren’t thinking of trading the 29-year-old right-hander … yet. That should be changed to “the Rockies aren’t thinking of trading the 29-year-old right-hander … period.”

Jon Gray and German Marquez

Morosi almost Jon Gray in his “not yet” trade thoughts. There has also been rumblings that the Rockies could look to deal off Marquez if they get a sweet enough offer.

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Let’s remember that these young pitchers are the only two who have been part of Colorado’s rotation from the beginning of the season until now. They are also (along with Kyle Freeland) going to form the heart of the Colorado rotation for years to come.

Gray is under arbitration control until the 2022 season and the 27-year-old has arguably been Colorado’s strongest starter this season. Marquez, meanwhile, signed a five-year, $43 million contract early this season, numbers which are extremely friendly to the Rockies and prove they want him as a member of the rotation for years to come. Having him on another team any time soon is more of a pipe dream than a real thought.

Colorado’s rotation is young and not expensive. Is it going through a rough patch this season? Absolutely. However, last season showed what young pitching can bring to the team. Was that the anomaly or is this year the anomaly? The Rockies are betting on the latter and won’t be looking to move any of their homegrown pitching talent any time soon.

Ian Desmond

OK, OK, hear me out on this one. I know plenty of Rockies fans are ready to be rid of the player who could arguably be the worst signing ever by Bridich but there are some other factors to consider here.

First, it would likely very difficult for the Rockies to find a trade partner for Desmond simply because of his contract. He is making $15 million this season and is due $15 million next season.

Second, while he is having his best season in a Rockies uniform, there is plenty of “eye testing” (and all-time low -17 DRS) with his outfield play to know that the better season is being had at the plate than in the field.

Third, there are signs that Desmond is finally shaping into the offensive player that the Rockies thought he possibly could be when he was signed to an expensive and odd contract back on December 13, 2016.

Check out this article that has been interesting statistics about Desmond’s changes at the plate and what they’re making. It includes this paragraph:

His 44 runs, 12 home runs, and 48 RBI in 278 at-bats prorate to 95/25/95 over a full season. In addition, his underlying batted-ball data, highlighted by a 91.8 mph exit velocity and .342 xwOBA, is by far the best of his Statcast career, suggesting even further improvement in his box score production as the season progresses.

If the Rockies have stuck with Desmond this long and are just now seeing the fruits of his potential production at the plate, isn’t it worth trying to keep his bat in the lineup for one more season?

Could selling off big contracts make the Rockies better?. dark. Next

Rockies fans may cringe at the thought. However, let’s be honest … outfield options aren’t plentiful for Colorado at the moment at the higher levels. Is an experienced Desmond who is hitting well worth another season over players who have struggled to produce at the Major League level? I say yes. How about you?

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The Colorado Rockies who shouldn’t be traded at the deadline

With an 11-5 loss on Saturday afternoon to the New York Yankees, the Colorado Rockies slipped to 46-52 on the season, including 20-28 away from Coors Field. It was also Colorado’s sixth consecutive loss and their 13th defeat in their last 15 games.

Scott Oberg

Jon Gray and German Marquez

More from Rox Pile

Ian Desmond

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