Colorado Rockies: A familiar face returns and another could return

The Colorado Rockies announced Thursday that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Ashton Goudeau from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash. The Reds had designated Goudeau for assignment earlier this week.

The trade is not a big trade on the surface but it is a big trade for the Colorado Rockies for two different reasons.

It further shows that the Colorado Rockies have a lot of guys that they use because they know them and are comfortable with them

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In this era of Rockies baseball, there have been a few “organization players” that the Rockies have had, let go of, and they return. Goudeau is, perhaps, the poster boy for this as this will be his third stint in the Rockies organization since last November.

Goudeau was with the Rockies last year and made his MLB debut last season. The team placed him on waivers after the season ended and then he bounced around a lot. He was claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Less than two weeks later, the Baltimore Orioles claimed him off waivers from the Pirates.

Toward the end of spring training, the San Francisco Giants claimed him off waivers from the Orioles. Less than a month later, the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed him off waivers from the Giants. Eight days later, the Rockies claimed him off waivers from the Dodgers and two weeks later, he was claimed off waivers from the Reds.

This time, Goudeau was traded (not claimed).

Along with Goudeau, other “organization players” include Drew Butera, Zac Rosscup, and Jesus Tinoco. Essentially, they are depth pieces that are on the fringe of the majors that the Rockies like for their makeup.

The Rockies were also familiar with Case Williams, the 2020 4th round draft pick from Castle Rock, CO. He was traded to the Reds in the Jeff Hoffman deal this offseason but the Rockies re-acquired him this week in the Mychal Givens trade.

The San Francisco Giants also designated former Colorado Rockies outfielder Mike Tauchman for assignment on Thursday after a dismal campaign with the Giants. Perhaps, he will become another “organizational player” for the Rockies. The Rockies do need some depth pieces and Tauchman would definitely qualify.

Ashton Goudeau could see some time as a starting pitcher for the Colorado Rockies

In the coming days, the Colorado Rockies could be short on starting pitching. Antonio Senzatela is still out of action as he has not returned from the COVID IL. Also, the Rockies could very easily trade Jon Gray in the next 24 hours. Chi Chi Gonzalez is also on the COVID IL.

In other words, after Germán Márquez, Kyle Freeland, and Austin Gomber, the Rockies could have two wild card spots in the rotation and Ashton Goudeau may, at least temporarily, occupy one of the slots.