3 ways Rockies could screw up the MLB trade deadline

Yesterday, the Rockies made some noise with the MLB trade deadline approaching as they traded away relief pitcher Pierce Johnson to the Atlanta Braves.

This was certainly a move the Rockies needed to make as Johnson has regressed significantly over the last two months after being removed as the team's closer in early June. However, with the trade deadline still going on, the Rockies need to continue this momentum and keep selling before the deadline hits in seven days.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Rockies will look to be sellers at the deadline as they should be since they are last in the National League with a record of 40-60, sitting 13.5 games back in the wild-card race.

Last year, the Rockies were in last place in the NL West before the deadline and had little chance of making the playoffs. They should have acted as sellers and traded away some of their veteran players to bring in more youthful talent. However, the team failed to take advantage of this opportunity.

Looking ahead, I decided to look into a few ways the Rockies could very well screw up this years trade deadline if they let history repeat.

1. Not trading Brent Suter

Brent Suter, 32, might be one of the best trade chips the Rockies have this year as he recently signed a one-year $3 million contract this past offseason. Since then, he has been lights out for the Rockies and one of the best relievers in all of baseball.

Given his age and the fact that he is on a one year deal, it is likely Suter will not return to the Colorado bullpen next year due to the team's lack of success and the fact that he has not won a World Series in his career. At this stage in his career, he could be looking to go chasing for a ring to help solidify his career.

Suter began his MLB career in 2016 with the Milwaukee Brewers and was a dominant pitcher for the Brew Crew before joining the Rockies. Right now, Suter is pitching with a 2.62 ERA, 37 strikeouts, 4-0 record in 44.2 innings pitched.

With Suter on the trade block and his recent oblique injury, teams could very well try to lowball the Rockies on trade proposals as he will likely be a rental piece for any team. No matter what, the Rockies need to pull the trigger on Suter as he could bring in quality young relievers in a deal that should include more than what they received for Johnson yesterday.

3. Failing to trade Randal Grichuk

It seems like it would be wise to move Grichuk at the end of the season. This is due to the emergence of Brenton Doyle, the possibility of Jones staying in the outfield, and young prospect Zac Veen potentially making his MLB debut next year. It makes sense to part ways with Grichuk in light of these factors.

Multiple teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, and Rangers could use a corner outfielder like Grichuk and his ability to hit for contact makes him a prime candidate for any team looking to increase their playoff chances before the season's end.

Grichuk is having an exceptional season in Colorado, with a batting average of .309, on-base percentage of .368, and slugging percentage of .482. He has also hit 18 doubles and 68 hits. Due to the presence of younger players, it is evident that Colorado may need to trade him in the near future. If this happens, the franchise could potentially receive at least two tier-level two minor league players, which could help in their pursuit of building a winning team.