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Colorado Rockies: A simulated trade with the Chicago White Sox

By Kevin Henry

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 04: Pinch hitter Daniel Murphy #9 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after striking pout against pitcher Pedro Baez #52 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium on September 4, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 04: Pinch hitter Daniel Murphy #9 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after striking pout against pitcher Pedro Baez #52 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium on September 4, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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The FanSided Fake Winter Meetings are currently underway. As the Colorado Rockies representative at these simulated meetings, we came to the table ready to shake things up.

It has been well reported that the Colorado Rockies are looking to find some creative ways to enhance their roster without “making some great big splash.” It’s also well known that the Rockies are backed into a financial corner thanks in part to some large, underperforming contracts.

With all of this in mind, we decided to shop around one of those contracts around to start the meeting. And, we were happy to find a trade partner in the Chicago White Sox.

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I talked in this article how Daniel Murphy would be a good fit for the White Sox knowing they needed a designated hitter. Lo and behold, our friends at SouthsideShowdown.com thought the same thing.

Knowing that, we traded Murphy to the White Sox (along with his $8 million contract this season and $6 million buyout from a $12 million mutual option for 2021, per Spotrac.com) in exchange for 22-year-old Double-A outfielder (and former first-round pick) Blake Rutherford. He is also ranked as Chicago’s ninth-highest prospect according to MLB.com. Last season, he slashed .265/.319/.365 and earned this line from MLBPipeline.com:

"Rutherford still impresses scouts with his smooth left-handed swing, pitch-recognition skills and willingness to use the entire field."

Yes, Rutherford would be part of a future for the Rockies and still has some work to get to the Majors. However, the Murphy trade not only freed up some financial space but also will allow Colorado to move Ryan McMahon to first base and begin the official process of him becoming the team’s first baseman of the future. The second base competition is officially open between Brendan Rodgers (who has said he expects to be back from right shoulder surgery in time for spring training) and Garrett Hampson.

Murphy’s defense was a liability last season and his disappointing season at the plate (yes, thanks in part to a broken finger suffered in the season’s second game) will likely not leave a big hole in the lineup to fill.

All in all, the Rockies save money (which we’re investing into other needed areas, stay tuned for those moves) and acquire a prospect while strengthening the right side of the infield. We’re happy with the move. What about you? We would love to hear your comments below or let us know on Twitter (@RoxPileFS).

dark. Next. Who will Colorado protect in the Rule 5 draft?

Again, please remember that this is a simulated move. This has not happened in real life. This trade was made as a part of the FanSided FAKE Winter Meetings (fake is the key word there).

More simulated moves are coming so stay tuned!

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