Finding the Colorado Rockies a bat: 2 under-the-radar trade candidates

Last week, I posted an article detailing five free agents (two high-profile, three low-profile) that could be valuable to the Colorado Rockies as they try to patch holes in their lineup. This time, a pair of trade candidates will be the focus.

With a lockout looming this week with the Collective Bargaining Agreement expiring at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern time) on December 1, the Colorado Rockies will be pressed to begin their offseason transformation sooner rather than later.

The MLB non-tender deadline lies just a day before on November 30, a date that inspires trades across the league.

Here are two potential trade candidates who could help the Colorado Rockies

Joey Wendle, IF, Tampa Bay Rays

Knowing the Rays, nearly every player in their organization is available. And anyone with two years of arbitration or less remaining is effectively on the trade block.

How does he fit with Colorado?

Wendle’s selling points are elite defense at multiple infield positions, above-average speed, and high contact rates. The lefty-swinger could slot in at second base where he’d be an elite, DJ LeMahieu-like defender.

To really spice things up, Wendle played just under 200 pristine innings at shortstop. It’s worth considering if teams around the league are looking at Wendle as a cost-effective alternative to the elite shortstops on the market.

Wendle accumulated 6 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and 3 Outs Above Average (OAA) in roughly one-sixth of a season at shortstop. If he kept his pace up, he would have ranked near the top of the league in both stats.

While the versatile Wendle isn’t a stud at the plate, he has double-digit home run power and, in the past, has infrequently swung and missed. Unfortunately, Wendle struggled mightily against curveballs this year, whiffing at 41.3% thrown his way.

In Coors Field, curveballs are one of the least effective pitches, meaning Wendle would be exposed to effective ones far less often.

The 31-year-old is an aggressive hitter and won’t draw many walks. His OBP was just .319 this year (.342 in 2020). However, his contact-oriented approach could yield added benefits in Colorado.

How much would he cost?

Wendle, as mentioned, has two arbitration years remaining, which will likely come with a bargain salary. He’s also a valuable player due to his roughly average offensive output and elite defense.

As a result, he won’t be cheap. He won’t be overly expensive either. The Rays are always after controllable pitching and the Rockies have a fair amount of high-octane arms on their 40-man roster.

Daniel Bard and Helcris Olivarez and their power stuff would likely entice Tampa. Additional or different compensation might be necessary.

Chad Pinder, UTIL, Oakland A’s

A true sleeper, Pinder is unknown to many fans. There’s a lot of talent in his game and, with his final year of arbitration upon us, the A’s would be happy to save a buck and cash in on an impending free agent.

How does he fit with Colorado?

The best way to view Pinder is like a dormant volcano. The power is there and it seems like a matter of when, not if, it’s going to shine through.

The 6-foot-2-inch utility man’s average exit velocity of 92.6 mph ranked 21st in the league. The names he’s surrounded by largely comprise baseball’s elite. Perhaps more impressive, Pinder’s average exit velocity on fly balls and line drives ranked 6th in the league.

This kind of power in Coors Field and away from the home run suppressant Oakland Coliseum could make waves.

Additionally, the soon-to-be 30-year-old’s career 26.2 K% is pretty decent when you account for the massive power.

Another selling point with Pinder is his versatility. While he’s a below-average defender all-around, he plays a competent right field, left field, and third base and, perhaps with some Stu Cole refinement, he could be a quality option at second base.

Sub-optimal plate discipline (0.26 BB/K, 301st in MLB) and some quality of contact inconsistencies are legitimate blemishes on Pinder’s profile. Still, tons of untapped potential is available to be unlocked.

How much would he cost?

With only one more year until he reaches free agency and some inconsistent results in recent years, Pinder would be a cheap addition.

Like Tampa Bay, the A’s are always interested in cheap and controllable assets, especially pitching. A lower-tier organizational prospect and/or a player on the fringe of Colorado’s 40-man roster could entice Oakland into a deal.

Stay tuned as the days leading up to December 1 will operate like a trade deadline mixed with a free agent flurry. It would make sense for the Colorado Rockies to get involved, but only time will tell.