Three players Colorado Rockies should trade

The Colorado Rockies are off to one of the worst starts in major league history.

With a 5-4 loss to the Yankees on Sunday, the Rockies have tied the 1904 Senators for the fewest wins through 52 games since 1901 to start the regular season. The Rockies are on pace to win approximately 29 games, which would set a major league record for futility. With a distinct lack of talent in the majors and a mediocre farm system ranked in the bottom half of the majors, the Rockies may be stuck in baseball purgatory for years to come.

The Rockies have to begin looking toward the future. Let's take a look at three players who could be on the trade block this summer.

1. Pitcher German Marquez

A quick look at Marquez's performance this season would make one wonder if there would even be a market for his services. He has produced a 7.66 ERA and a 1.681 WHIP over his 47 innings, striking out 26 batters with 18 walks. 

However, Marquez becomes intriguing if one digs deeper. His 4.49 FIP shows how much the Rockies defense has hurt his performance. Marquez has also allowed a .345 batting average on balls in play against this season. A move out of Colorado and better luck with the batted ball could make Marquez an underrated acquisition at the trade deadline, should he become available.

2. Infielder Kyle Farmer

A solid utility man, Farmer has slotted around the Rockies infield this season, seeing time at first, second, third and short. He has produced a respectable .244/.285/.385 batting line in his 144 plate appearances entering Monday, hitting two homers and 13 doubles.

Farmer has been a solid defensive option throughout his career, with at least an average glove at second, third and short. He has hit 10 or more homers three times, with a career high of 16 home runs in 2021. Farmer could potentially be more than a rental as he has a mutual $4 million option for 2026. Although he may not be a difference-maker, Farmer is a solid utility man for a contending team looking to improve its depth.

3. Third baseman Ryan McMahon

McMahon has been a fixture in trade rumors since last season, although the Rockies refused to entertain offers for his services. While his trade value has plummeted due to his disappointing .211/.335/.366 batting line with six homers and seven doubles in his 209 plate appearances entering Monday, those numbers are skewed by a dreadful start to the season. McMahon has been much better in May, posting a .301/.420/.548 batting line with four homers and four doubles in 88 plate appearances.

Even if McMahon struggles with the bat, he provides value defensively. A Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, he leads the National League with five runs saved at the hot corner. 

Teams are interested in McMahon, as USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that the Cubs and Dodgers are among the teams "monitoring" his availability. If the Rockies are going to face reality and start the rebuilding process in earnest, McMahon may be their best trade chip.