Even before the Colorado Rockies signed outfielder Gerardo Parra to a three-year deal, trade rumors surrounded just about every outfielder on the team. Carlos Gonzalez remains the most likely candidate to be dealt, but Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson would also be attractive pieces to other MLB clubs.
So when are the Rockies going to trade one of them considering there's no room for Parra right now?
Here's what general manager Jeff Bridich told Thomas Harding of MLB.com:
"There have been clubs calling from the get-go. The outfield market in general, one that's combining the free-agent market with the trade market, has been one that's been pretty slow moving. But teams have been checking in ever since free agency started. There hasn't been anything that's made us say, 'Yeah, that makes a lot of sense for us, short and long term.' And we feel like an addition like this can only help us. It's obviously a good thing."
This year's free agent class was stacked with outfield talent. Big names such as Jason Heyward, Justin Upton, Alex Gordon, Denard Span and Gerardo Parra have already signed, while Yoenis Cespedes and Dexter Fowler are still looking for contracts. The fact that those two have yet to sign might indicate why the trade market for outfielders hasn't really picked up.
Additionally, although Bridich has beat around the bush when asked about potential trade plans, it's clear Gonzalez is the one outfielder the Rockies are hoping to move. The 30-year-old is owed $37 million over the next two seasons and Colorado simply doesn't need such an expensive player when it's obvious the club won't be contending in the next two years. Gonzalez upped his trade value last season after hitting .271/.325/.540 with 87 runs scored, 40 home runs and 97 RBI in his first season in which he played more than 150 games.
However, being that he's owed that much money, it's possible MLB teams that are still interested in acquiring an outfielder will first explore their options in free agency before surrendering value for Gonzalez in addition to inheriting the $37 million he's owed.
The Rockies already have a troubling situation with Jose Reyes, who will reportedly stand trial in April after being charged with domestic violence earlier this offseason. The MLB is also investigating the case. He'll make $22 million in 2016. Reyes and Gonzalez make up about 40% of the team's payroll.
Bridich told Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post that Gonzalez has "been one of the cornerstones" for the Rockies and he'll "have to think long and hard" when listening to any trade scenarios involving his name.
In reality, Bridich will be doing Gonzalez a favor if he can trade the slugger to a contending club. Those rumors are bound to resurface, so stay tuned for updates.
