Putting Together a Rockies-Mets Trade for Jake Bird

With the 2025 MLB trade deadline just over a month away, the Colorado Rockies find themselves once again in the familiar territory of rebuilding and reassessing what comes next. With the team firmly entrenched at the bottom of the National League standings, Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt is expected to explore moves at the MLB trade deadline that could accelerate the franchise’s long-term growth.

While the Rockies may not have an abundance of assets that could be moved, one name that has drawn increased interest around the league is right-handed reliever Jake Bird.

Why Jake Bird Has Trade Value

Bird doesn’t have the most recognizable name, but his value out of the bullpen comes from consistency, durability, and — perhaps most importantly — team control. At 29 years old and not slated to hit free agency until 2029, Bird represents the type of cost-controlled bullpen arm that playoff hopefuls crave. He’s been quietly effective for the Rockies in high-leverage innings, capable of handling multi-inning appearances, and has shown a knack for limiting hard contact.

In a league where dependable bullpen arms are often fleeting and expensive, Bird’s 2025 performance has made him a hot commodity. Through June 19, he has posted a 2.16 ERA, a 1.18 WHIP, and held opposing batters to a .217 average. He’s not considered a true “closer”, but his ability to keep games close has drawn comparisons to elite setup men.

The Mets Could Be A Fit

One potential trade partner is the New York Mets. Despite their inconsistent play, the Mets are very much in the Wild Card hunt and have bullpen help on a list of shopping items at the MLB trade deadline. New York’s bullpen has struggled with depth behind closer Edwin Díaz, and they’ve suffered from injuries and underperformance among their middle-relief options.

Bird would immediately stabilize their middle innings and could slot in as a seventh- or eighth-inning option, depending on the opponent and game situation. With the Mets’ front office under pressure to produce a deep postseason run, they may be willing to part with some significant prospect capital to land the kind of bullpen arm that gives them a late-inning advantage.

Putting Together A Rockies-Mets Trade Package

If the Rockies were to trade Bird to the Mets, what might a reasonable return package look like? I asked Just Baseball’s Ryan Finkelstein, who is the host of the Locked On Mets podcast, for his opinions. He offered the potential of three Mets prospects who might align with the Rockies’ rebuilding timeline:

• Ronny Mauricio (INF) – Previously ranked as the Mets’ No. 9 overall prospect, the 24-year-old Mauricio is a toolsy infielder with a high ceiling. While he’s dealt with injuries and inconsistency, he offers the potential for power from both sides of the plate and has played multiple positions. Under team control through the 2029 campaign, Mauricio’s versatility and upside make him a perfect candidate to step into the Rockies’ infield mix in 2026 and beyond.
• Drew Gilbert (OF) –The former 28^th overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft by the Houston Astros, Gilbert came over to the Mets in the Justin Verlander deal and has continued to show flashes of elite athleticism. Ranked 10th in the system, he’s a high-energy player with above-average speed, defensive instincts, and contact skills. The Rockies’ outfield depth in the minors could use a boost of athleticism, and Gilbert could fill a long-term need in center field.
• Jack Wenninger (RHP) – A lesser-known name but still promising, Wenninger is currently ranked No. 29 in the Mets’ system. A 6-foot-4 righty with projectable stuff, he has shown command of a mid-90s fastball and solid secondaries. The Rockies desperately need starting pitching depth, and Wenninger could begin his development in Double-A with an eye on making the MLB roster within two to three seasons.

Why This Deal Makes Sense for the Rockies

For a team like Colorado, trading a reliever — even one as reliable as Bird — makes sense when the return addresses organizational needs. The Rockies need to continue stacking their farm system with high-upside talent at multiple positions. This kind of package allows them to add a versatile infielder with power potential, an outfielder with on-base skills, and a potential starter — three critical components for building a sustainable core.

Bird’s value is at its peak due to his current performance and extended team control. Waiting longer could reduce his trade value due to injury risk or a potential dip in performance. By making a proactive move at this year’s deadline, the Rockies could maximize their return and show fans they’re serious about building a more competitive future.

Risk and Reward

Of course, no prospect package is without risk. Mauricio’s development has been uneven, Gilbert has had some injuries, and Wenninger is still raw … but this is the kind of upside swing the Rockies should be taking. The franchise has often been criticized for holding onto players too long or failing to make bold moves during the window before the trade deadline. Trading Bird for a multi-prospect return would be a clear signal that the front office is taking a more modern approach to roster construction.

Final Thoughts

At the moment, Bird’s value to a contender like the Mets is obvious, but his value to the Rockies may come in a different form — one that arrives in the shape of three promising prospects. If Colorado wants to reshape its future, dealing from its few strengths (such as bullpen depth) may be the only path forward. A Jake Bird trade won’t dominate headlines like the Rafael Devers deal. However, for the Rockies, it might be the kind of smart, calculated deal that helps pave the way for sustained success.

This MLB trade deadline, the Rockies have a chance to turn a steady reliever into a foundational move. Will they pull the trigger?