Colorado Rockies: Zeroing in on two potential trade pieces

The idea of the Colorado Rockies being buyers at the trade deadline has come and gone. The second stretch of 12 losses in 15 games in the same season has destroyed that notion.

Now that the Colorado Rockies will likely either stand pat or be sellers, the question becomes who could they move that would gain the most bang for the buck.

Earlier this month, I mentioned that there are four high-priced contracts that they could consider moving. As the trade picture has become more clear, I’m going to focus in on two of those players.

Daniel Murphy

More from Colorado Rockies News

Moving Daniel Murphy earlier this month seemed like a long shot and the recent release of Mark Reynolds could have made the odds even longer. However, the Rockies made a move this month by signing former All-Star Yonder Alonso to a minor league contract.

In his short time in Albuquerque, Alonso has hammered Triple-A pitching, batting 13-for-31 with three homers, 12 RBI and seven runs scored in nine games. Since both Murphy and Alonso bat from the left side of the plate, there is little need for Alonso’s services.

If the Rockies were to move Murphy, it would free up $12 million for next season’s payroll and possibly more as he has a third-year option. It would remove Murphy’s defensive liability from the lineup and it would create room for Alonso on the roster.

Wade Davis

When I wrote the article earlier this month, I threw out the idea of moving Davis as an afterthought. Over time, the more I have thought about it, the more intriguing it has become.

We all love to jump on Davis when he blows up. However, outside of Coors Field, he has been almost untouchable. Currently, he is 1-4 with a 5.83 ERA but on the road his 6-for-6 in save opportunities with a minuscule 0.73 ERA.

His record setting three-year, $52 million contract could scare some suitors away, but his playoff experience and World Series ring looks quite attractive for a playoff contender.

If the Rockies are willing to absorb some of his contract, Davis could bring the Rockies the most return. It would also free up the closer role for Scott Oberg to slide for the next few seasons as he is under team control through the 2021 campaign.

Chances are the Rockies will likely stand pat and roll the dice with what they have, given that they are 5 games back and have a lot of teams to jump in the standings. Moving important pieces that could be pivotal to next season could sway them from making any rash decisions.

Or … there is a final option. The Rockies could just decide to go on a prolonged winning streak in the next week and get back into the thick of the Wild Card hunt before the trade deadline and become buyers again. I like this idea the most but that is wishful thinking.

The idea of the Colorado Rockies being buyers at the trade deadline has come and gone. The second stretch of 12 losses in 15 games in the same season has destroyed that notion.

Schedule