3 things the Colorado Rockies need to get done before the trade deadline

Tell Jon Gray he isn’t going anywhere

If the Rockies are going to get back into contention sooner than later, then they should keep a former Sooner in the rotation.

Speaking directly to the Colorado front office here, pull Jon Gray aside today and tell him that you want to work on an extension with him and that’s important to you. Tell Gray he’s a part of your team’s future. Tell him you want him to take the mound at Coors Field and show future Colorado pitchers exactly how to overcome any of the stigmas that come with pitching at altitude.

Gray has told us and numerous other media outlets that he wants to stay in Denver. Keep a rotation of Gray, Kyle Freeland, Germán Márquez, Antonio Senzatela, and Austin Gomber together heading into next season. Let Ryan Rolison and Peter Lambert battle with them for a spot in the rotation. Build up a pool of starting pitching rather than hoping that no one gets hurt because there isn’t a quality pitcher in the stable to take his place.

While it may seem strange to say “trade Trevor Story but keep Jon Gray,” the value of not only pitching at altitude but also the mindset that comes with overcoming it is extremely high. For the Rockies to do away with a starting pitcher who wants to stay and can not only succeed but also provide a blueprint for future pitchers seems counterproductive to a franchise that needs to find its footing.

This is what we’d do if we were in charge. What about you? Let us know in the comments below.