Colorado Rockies: 3 “what if” trade candidates not named Nolan Arenado

The day ends in a “y” which can only mean trades is the topic of discussion. Shocker, I know, but since the Colorado Rockies didn’t do anything else this winter, what else is there?

However, today, I’m going to throw a curveball. Instead of talking about the latest and greatest Nolan Arenado rumor, here are three other players the Colorado Rockies could look to move this season, especially if things don’t go their way early in the schedule.

Again, these would be moves made only if the Rockies are struggling as the trade deadline nears and the franchise would be looking for a complete reboot.

Raimel Tapia

The Rockies enter spring training with a very crowded outfield. With Charlie Blackmon, David Dahl, Ian Desmond, Sam Hilliard, Tapia, and Garrett Hampson (who has outfield experience), the Rockies’ Opening Day roster could have six of the 26 spots filled by outfielders.

The Rockies will likely begin the season with a Desmond/Tapia/Hilliard platoon in left field with manager Bud Black finding favorable matchups for the rookie Hilliard. If Hilliard lives up to expectations, has a great spring, and gains the confidence of Black, Tapia is likely the odd man out. Since Tapia is all out of minor league options, the Rockies would no choice but to release or trade him.

Jon Gray

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The third draft pick in the 2013 MLB Draft out of the University of Oklahoma, Gray has shown a ton of promise in his five seasons in Denver. He can be an elite pitcher and strike out any batter he faces. Consistency, however, has kept him from becoming the true ace of the rotation that the Rockies’ want him to be.

He has one year left of arbitration eligibility and is only making $5.6 million this season. If the Rockies fall out of contention early, a number of teams could come knocking to pry Gray away from Coors Field.

Trevor Story

If the Rockies are shopping Arenado because they are worried he will opt out after next season, they should also be worried about Story who actually does become a free agent after the 2021 season. Story and the Rockies agreed to a two-year, $27.5 million contract this offseason to bypass his remaining arbitration years. However, there is no indication that he would sign an extension beyond 2021, especially after having a front row seat to this winter’s Arenado trade saga.

With top prospect Brendan Rodgers‘ natural position being at shortstop, the Rockies could look to stockpile more prospects by parting ways with their power-hitting two-time All-Star.