The Colorado Rockies, a team that has been struggling for years, are now facing a critical juncture as they prepare to enter the trade market. With a record of 18 games under .500 and outscored by 99 runs, the Rockies are in a position to potentially reshape their roster. The question remains: Who might they put on the trade market?
One player who stands out is Antonio Senzatela, a right-handed reliever who has been a key asset for the team. Senzatela's performance has been impressive, with a 1.98 earned run average across 36 1/3 innings, a 21.4% strikeout percentage, and an average fastball of 97.3 mph. His addition of a low-90s cutter late last season has further solidified his value. Senzatela's contract is a significant factor, as he is playing on a $12MM salary, with around $7MM still owed. By the August 3 deadline, this amount will drop to roughly $3.5MM, making him an attractive rental option for contending teams. While he might not be the third or fourth best arm in a contending bullpen, he should still net the Rockies a couple of mid-level prospects.
Another player who could be on the move is Hunter Goodman, a power-hitting catcher under club control through 2029. However, the Rockies have historically shied away from trading players with such remaining control. Goodman's performance this season has been underwhelming, and the team might be hesitant to part with him. Similarly, Ezequiel Tovar, a 24-year-old shortstop signed for $51.5MM between 2027-30, is not likely to be traded due to his poor performance and overaggressive approach at the plate. The Rockies' front office seems to be taking a cautious approach, prioritizing long-term planning over short-term gains.
In the bullpen, Seth Halvorsen stands out as a potential trade candidate. His controllable contract for five seasons and triple-digit fastball make him an appealing option. However, the Rockies might be hesitant to trade him, as his traits are similarly appealing to their own team. Other relievers like Jimmy Herget and Brennan Bernardino are not expected to net more than organizational depth. The Rockies' rotation additions, including Jose Quintana, Michael Lorenzen, and Tomoyuki Sugano, have not performed well enough to generate much interest from contenders. Quintana's elbow sprain, Lorenzen's high ERA, and Sugano's poor strikeout rate and home run concerns make them less attractive.
The Rockies' outfield situation is also worth mentioning. Mickey Moniak and Jake McCarthy, both in their arbitration window, could be of interest to teams as complementary outfielders. Moniak's strong performance at Coors Field and ability to play corner outfield make him a potential platoon target. McCarthy, with his low salary and controllability, could be a viable regular for a team like the Rays, Astros, or Guardians. The center field trade market is thin, making McCarthy an attractive option.
In summary, the Colorado Rockies are in a position to reshape their roster, but their approach will likely be cautious and focused on long-term planning. Players like Senzatela and Moniak could be attractive trade chips, but the team's front office seems determined to maintain a competitive core. The trade market will be an interesting space to watch as the deadline approaches, with the Rockies potentially making strategic moves to improve their chances for the future.
