UPDATE: The Rockies have agreed to terms with Parra on a three-year, $26 million contract, according to Wilmer Reina. The deal has been confirmed by Jon Heyman, who says the deal is worth $27.5 million.
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The Los Angeles Angels made their big moves early on in the offseason, and rumors have suggested the team is not in on high-profile free agent outfielders despite their need in left. However, the trade market could soon provide opportunities for new general manager Billy Eppler.
And, interestingly enough, it starts with free agent outfielder Gerardo Parra.
The rumors surrounding Parra find there are three MLB clubs in the running for the veteran, with one of them being the Colorado Rockies. That's good news for the Halos.
Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reported last night that the Angels are not one of the teams pursuing Parra, but if Colorado signs him then "expect the Angels to take a shot at [Charlie] Blackmon."
The Rockies already have three left-handed hitting outfielders in Blackmon, Carlos Gonzalez and Corey Dickerson. However, rumors have indicated Gonzalez is the most likely trade candidate since he's owed $37 million over the next two seasons and is garnering a lot of interest after clubbing 40 home runs in 2015, which was his first (largely) healthy campaign since 2012.
Still, the Rockies need pitching, and Blackmon's prolific offense over the past two seasons, coupled with him being under club control through 2018, could get Colorado great value.
"There also has been speculation that the Rockies would trade one of their current starting outfielders - most likely Carlos Gonzalez or Charlie Blackmon - to upgrade their starting pitching. If the Rockies were to sign Parra, it would make a trade even more likely," writes Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post.
"Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich has said the club has received a lot of interest regarding both outfielders, as well as left fielder Corey Dickerson."
Both Blackmon and Dickerson have experience playing left field, which is what the Angels are looking for. Both are also under contract at a bargain rate and would fit the Angels' blueprint if the club is serious about not chasing Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton and others in free agency.
Los Angeles already traded prospect pitchers Sean Newcomb and Chris Ellis to the Atlanta Braves in the Andrelton Simmons deal back in November, so it's not entirely clear who they'd offer up to the Rockies for one of their outfielders, specifically Blackmon. The Angels do have a glut of starters at the MLB level, but C.J. Wilson and Jered Weaver will be free agents after 2016, so they'll have to prepare to keep the unit competitive once those two veterans leave.
If Colorado wants pitcher than can contribute immediately, it's possible they could ask for Matt Shoemaker, Andrew Heaney, Hector Santiago, Nick Tropeano or Tyler Skaggs, assuming Garrett Richards is untouchable.
That's just a quick take on what the trade talks might encompass, but keep an eye on this scenario if the Rockies sign Parra in the near future.
