The Colorado Rockies currently lead the NL West division with a 7-2 record, but it's unknown how much longer their inexperienced starting rotation will be able to last. If they fall out of contention by the time July rolls around, will Carlos Gonzalez be the team's top trade casualty?
Rumors have suggested shortstop Troy Tulowitzki could be that guy, but the 30-year-old is owed $118 million through the 2020 season and will require a costly return in young talent if another team was interested in making a deal. On top of that, Tulowitzki has averaged just 88 games over the past three seasons because of various injuries that have kept him off the field.
While Gonzalez has experienced multiple injury issues over the past few years as well, he could be the more likely trade piece for Colorado because he's owed $53 million over the next three seasons, which is much less of a financial commitment, and he won't turn 30 until after the regular season.
"If they fall out of contention by the deadline, Gonzalez will be the trade target to watch," writes ESPN's Jim Bowden. "While many think it could be Tulowitzki, it's unlikely that ownership would sign off on the deal unless they were really overwhelmed and the trade partner took all of his remaining salary, which is unlikely. Gonzalez is finally healthy and has the ability to play all three outfield positions. He still has 20 home run/20 stolen base talent and is an above-average defender who has already won three Rawlings Gold Gloves. His left-handed bat and young age (29) gives him a high trade value. His salary, once considered inflated, is now reasonable."
Gonzalez played only 110 games in 2013 and still batted .302/.367/.591 with 72 runs scored, 26 home runs, 70 RBIs and 21 stolen bases, indicating his ability to be an elite hitter is still there. He won a batting title back in 2010 with a .336 average in 145 games with the Rockies as well.
During the offseason a number of clubs were desperately looking for outfielders that could hit for power, but there weren't many available. A healthy Gonzalez is much more than that, considering he's also versatile on defense, hits for average and can steal bases. He's batting only .231/.244/.410 with four runs scored, one home run and five RBIs in nine games this season, but he's likely working to get himself back in a groove after playing in only 70 games last year.
Keep an eye out for trade talks regarding Gonzalez as the season progresses.
