3 trade targets for the Colorado Rockies from the Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers infielder Jonathan Schoop could help the Colorado Rockies in a few positions

Prior to 2021, Jonathan Schoop was a second baseman in his eight MLB seasons but in year nine (2021), the Detroit Tigers decided, after having him play second in 2020, to have Schoop play first base, a position he never played before. This may sound like déjà vu to Colorado Rockies fans but unlike Daniel Murphy (and others in recent years for the Colorado Rockies), Schoop actually showed that he could hit.

In 2021, Schoop was tied for the most games played for the Tigers (156) and he was one of their best hitters. He hit .278/.320/.435 with 22 homers, 78 RBI, and a 110 OPS+. For the 2021 Rockies, that would have been the second-best on the team after C.J. Cron (who Schoop replaced at first base for the Tigers) among players with at least 250 plate appearances.

Since 2017, Schoop, 30, has shown that he has a better than average bat as he has a 162-game average of 28 homers, 88 RBI, and an OPS+ of 107.

The Tigers are unlikely to get rid of him as things currently stand but say, for example, they want #4 overall prospect Spencer Torkelson to start as the team’s Opening Day first baseman. If they sign another infielder as well, Schoop could be the odd man out with Báez at shortstop and their best bat, Jeimer Candelario, at third base.

In addition to play first and second, Schoop has some experience playing shortstop and third base as well so he would provide the Rockies with some versatility as well.

Schoop is owed $7.5 million in 2022 and Schoop has a player option for $7.5 million for 2023.