Colorado Rockies: Jon Gray hears the rumors but wants to stay at Coors Field

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray knows the trade rumors are out there. He’s heard the whispers and the “what ifs” about what could be coming as far as his future in a Rockies uniform. He also knows that if he had his choice, he would remain as a member of the Rockies through the 2021 MLB trade deadline and far beyond.

Here is what Jon Gray of the Colorado Rockies is saying about trade rumors.

“Absolutely, I would love to stay here. I have a lot of pride pitching here at Coors,” Gray told me in our exclusive chat. “I know it can be hard to find guys that love to pitch at Coors so hopefully those two things go together well, because I love being a Rockie.”

Prior to his scheduled Friday start against the Oakland A’s, Gray is brushing off any talk of what could happen before July 30. He’s instead focused on a season where opponents are hitting just .152 against him in seven starts at Coors Field. His 2.36 ERA and 0.952 WHIP at home are part of a 2021 campaign where he has logged 1.1 bWAR, a 3.71 overall ERA, and ERA+ of 125.

“Until it happens, I’m not even giving it any attention,” Gray told me during our discussion on a sunny Thursday at Coors Field. You can hear the entire interview, which lasts just over 10 minutes, by clicking here. The interview comes complete with the sound of batting practice in the background as C.J. Cron did some work in the cage.

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With Gray listed at the top of the list of potential trade candidates on MLBTradeRumors.com and the player that FanSided’s Robert Murray thinks will be the first MLB player dealt, Rockies fans can expect more and more buzz surrounding the 29-year-old right-hander as the trade deadline grows closer.

Part of the reason that Gray will be a hot commodity around the trade deadline is that his contract is set to expire at the end of the season (he is currently on a one-year, $6 million deal). He was selected third overall by the Rockies in the 2013 MLB draft and has compiled a 4.52 ERA and 1.332 WHIP in 134 career games (133 starts) for Colorado since his debut on August 4, 2015.

Also in our talk, Gray discusses how he has incorporated his changeup into the pitch mix, his attitude when he takes the mound at Coors Field, what it’s like to have a former starting pitcher (Bud Black) as his manager, the camaraderie among members of the Colorado rotation, and why he has “Gray Wolf” as his nickname.

You can hear our entire interview below.

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