Three possible trade chips for Rockies
In theory, the Colorado Rockies should be sellers at the trade deadline.
The same could be said in 2021, especially since Trevor Story and Jon Gray could have brought in young talent. Both players stayed as the Rockies did not make any trades at the deadline.
While Colorado did not have the same caliber of players in 2022, Daniel Bard, Alex Colome and C.J. Cron could have all been traded. Instead, they signed Bard to an extension and made no trades. The Rockies finally figured out they could make trades in 2023, moving Mike Moustakas, Pierce Johnson, Brad Hand, Randal Grichuk and Cron in deals from the end of June through the deadline.
Colorado finds themselves in the same situation in 2024. Their 20-35 record is the third worst in baseball entering Friday. For any other team, a sell-off would be in the cards. For the Rockies? That is anyone's guess.
Logic would dictate that they should be sellers at the trade deadline. Let's examine three possible trade chips.
Relief pitcher Jalen Beeks
Jalen Beeks is best known for his days as a bulk reliever for the Rays. However, Daniel Bard's and Justin Lawrence's injuries have pushed Beeks into the closer role.
Beeks had done relatively well. He has posted a 3.08 ERA and a 1.329 WHiP in his 26.1 innings entering Friday, striking out 21 batters with 13 walks while notching five saves. As a left-handed reliever who has served in many roles, Beeks could draw plenty of interest. His value may never be higher than it is now, especially given his 4.50 FIP.
Catcher Elias Diaz
Most fans know Elias Diaz as the MVP of the 2023 All-Star Game. If he remains with the Rockies at the break, he could be making a repeat appearance.
He is making a strong case to be Colorado's representative. Diaz has posted a .299/.343/.431 batting line in 181 plate appearances, hitting four homers and 10 doubles. He has also been handy behind the plate, throwing out 26% of would-be base stealers. Diaz could be the Rockies' hottest commodity as teams look for upgrades behind home plate.
Starting pitcher Austin Gomber
Austin Gomber is known primarily for his inclusion in the infamous Nolan Arenado trade in 2021. He is beginning to carve out his own niche for the Rockies.
Gomber has been Colorado's best player thus far, leading the team with 2.0 bWAR entering Friday. He is in the midst of a career year, posting a 2.76 ERA and a 1.108 WHiP over his 58.2 innings, striking out 41 batters with 17 walks. Gomber still has a year of team control left, so he could be an attractive trade chip.
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