The Colorado Rockies signed catcher Nick Hundley to a two-year contract earlier this week and the status of incumbent catcher Wilin Rosario has been put into question. What is Colorado's plan?
Earlier in the offseason, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal noted the Rockies were trying to trade Rosario and had even thought about playing him in right field this past season. General manger Jeff Bridich acknowledged there have been internal discussions in terms of obtaining a better defensive catcher, according to Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. Additionally, Rosario is in his first year of arbitration eligibility and is due a big raise.
Although he's a tremendous power hitter and is only 25 years of age, Saunders notes Rosario is "regarded as a subprime game caller and had 12 passed balls in 96 games" this past season. He also allowed 37 stolen bases and only threw out seven base runners. It's been said Rosario would be a better fit in the American League because of the designated hitter position, which would allow teams to be flexible with him. He'll be entering his fifth MLB season and owns a stat line of .274/.308/.483 with 65 home runs and 212 RBIs in 360 career games.
However, ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reported the Rockies have "told teams they're holding onto Rosario unless they're overwhelmed." The team had discussions with the Texas Rangers as early as three weeks ago, but not much as surfaced from the talks. It's clear the Rockies are looking to move Rosario out from behind the plate since they have a young pitching staff, which ranked last in ERA (4.84), that needs veteran leadership. Hundley isn't the most impressive defensive catcher and isn't a polished hitter, but his experience will help minimize costly mistakes and enhance development.
Rosario is under club control through the 2017 season, but as of right now there's little room for him unless the Rockies were to trade some personnel. Right field and first base are seemingly the two top options for Rosario, but they're currently occupied by Carlos Gonzalez and Justin Morneau. Bridich said he would be fielding trade talks for Gonzalez because the outfielder is owed a lot of money and has been severely impeded by injuries. Some teams were interested in Morneau this offseason, but after a resurgent year coupled with a bargain annual salary, it doesn't look like Colorado will jump to trade him.
Despite Gonzalez's great talent, it would make the most sense if he were traded. The 29-year-old has never played in more than 145 games in a season and has only played in 180 over the past two years. He's owed $53 million over the next three seasons, which is something the Rockies won't want to pay if he isn't on the field and producing as he should. Saunders noted last month such trade talks might be happening at the MLB Winter Meetings, but the Rockies were very quiet during that week.
It's unclear what the Rockies will do, but moving an expensive Gonzalez to make room for Rosario would make the most sense if they can get the value they want in return.
