Colorado Rockies: What could be discussed at the GM meetings

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Dec 10, 2019; San Diego, CA, USA; MLB commissioner Rob Manfred speaks to the media before announcing the All-MLB team during the MLB Winter Meetings at Manchester Grand Hyatt. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sport /

With Major League Baseball’s General Manager meetings going virtual, what could be on the menu for Colorado Rockies GM Jeff Bridich?

As with everything else it seems in 2020, the first set of meetings for MLB’s general managers, set to begin yesterday, has gone virtual. Following that was the announcement that the annual Winter Meetings would be held virtually as well. That means any work done by Colorado Rockies GM Jeff Bridich and his staff won’t be done in a hotel suite or any other off-site location this year as opposed to years past. Like many of us, the world of baseball has suddenly become Zoom-centered.

And yes, Zoom or not, there is work for the Rockies to do this offseason. That not only includes upgrading a roster that was recently ranked dead last in MLB but also see what kind of discussions can be started and continued in terms of trades.

The Colorado Rockies could be shopping third baseman Nolan Arenado

There was plenty of discussion about the Rockies listening to offers last season when it came to Nolan Arenado. And those talks led to hard feelings that haven’t shown any signs of healing in the months since they happened.

“There’s a lot of disrespect from people there that I don’t want to be a part of. You can quote that,” Arenado told MLB.com last January.

We all know that winning helps ease any tensions in the clubhouse or between players and management in sports. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been a lot of that for the Rockies in the last two seasons, adding fuel to Arenado’s competitive fire.

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So as we look ahead to the 2021 season, there is plenty at play here when it comes to Colorado’s All-Star third baseman. There is the opt-out clause at the end of the 2021 campaign. There is the $35 million that is owed to him in 2021. Arenado is coming off a season where his offensive output was severely limited by a shoulder injury suffered just five games into Colorado’s schedule. There is Arenado who, despite the shoulder problems, still won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove and fourth straight Platinum Glove and is one of the game’s premier defenders.

Throw all that into a bucket and measure the temperature of trade talks for Arenado this offseason, also knowing that many owners, like Monfort, are wondering what their financial situations will be with COVID-19 still running rampant. There’s a lot to sort through, but certainly don’t be surprised if teams inquire about Arenado and what it might take to bring him aboard.

Yes, Arenado has an opt-out clause, but he would likely waive it for the right fit and right team. That’s just another piece of the potential blockbuster trade puzzle that Bridich and his team might be trying to put together this offseason.

LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 04: Relief pitcher Mychal Givens #60 of the Colorado Rockies throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on September 4, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

The Rockies need some help in the bullpen

OK, don’t let the idea scare you, but the Rockies need help in the bullpen and will likely look outside of the organization for it. Don’t let the big contracts of Wade Davis, Jake McGee, and Bryan Shaw consume your thoughts though. The Rockies will likely look for less expensive pieces to hopefully boost a bullpen that posted the highest single-season ERA (6.77) in franchise history (more than a run over the previous high of 5.72 in 1999). They’ll also be looking to add arms to a staff that posted just 393 strikeouts, the lowest total in MLB.

The work to rebuild the bullpen began last year with Daniel Bard’s triumphant return and the trade acquisition of Mychal Givens from Baltimore. Questions remain with Scott Oberg’s health and if Jairo Diaz and Carlos Estevez can bounce back from tough seasons in 2020. There is also the fact that there were no left-handed relievers among Colorado’s relief options at the end of last season, and only Phillip Diehl and Ben Bowden are current southpaw options on the 40-man roster.

Colorado has to find a left-handed reliever who not only fits the budget but can succeed at Coors Field. That is a conversation that must and will happen throughout the offseason, and don’t be surprised if those talks haven’t already begun and will only intensify.

LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 23: Ryan McMahon #24 of the Colorado Rockies is congratulated by manager Bud Black #10 after hitting a solo home run against pitcher Ross Stripling #68 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on August 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

The Rockies still have plenty of questions surrounding their offense

There are questions about the status of the left side of the infield when it comes to Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story being a part of the roster heading into 2021. Could one or both be trade candidates? It’s certainly possible.

However, on the other side of the infield, there are plenty of questions as well.

Do the Rockies feel confident in Ryan McMahon after a season where he struck out 66 times in 193 plate appearances? McMahon will likely bounce back in 2021, but it’s a reasonable question to ask, “What if he doesn’t?” There are plenty of questions about Brendan Rodgers and if he can provide an answer there. Could Garrett Hampson turn in another solid season if the position was given to him on a full-time basis?

And yes, this will be another season of “what if” mental gymnastics for McMahon. What if Arenado is traded? McMahon could move to third. What if the Rockies decide to move him to first base where they’re still trying to find the heir apparent to Todd Helton?

First base is where the Rockies could potentially upgrade this offseason, even though Josh Fuentes proved to be capable (especially on the defensive side) there last season when given the chance.

If the Rockies go after someone in free agency, that player will likely come cheap and hopefully (yes, hopefully) be someone who primarily plays first base (unlike the Ian Desmond and Daniel Murphy experiments which went horribly wrong). Expect the Rockies to look this way in free agency.

Next. The Rockies make their first offseason signing. dark

Will Jeff Bridich be active this offseason? The Rockies need him to be, but financial and roster decisions could play the biggest role of all.

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With Major League Baseball’s General Manager meetings going virtual, what could be on the menu for Colorado Rockies GM Jeff Bridich?

The Colorado Rockies could be shopping third baseman Nolan Arenado

More from Rox Pile

The Rockies need some help in the bullpen

The Rockies still have plenty of questions surrounding their offense

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