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Trade talks surrounding the Rockies are heating up (okay, they’re lukewarm at best) with buzz over Colorado’s catching emerging toward the forefront. I spoke briefly in my last post on a few possible trade options, but below you will find an extended list of possible suitors by team, as well as free agent candidates.
Baltimore Orioles:
Who they’ve got
Caleb Joseph: .207/.264/.358, 1.2 WAR, .993 fielding percentage. Took over most of the catching duty for the O’s in Matt Wieter’s absence. His power combined with above average offensive numbers in the minors may suggest that Joseph could be a factor in the batter’s box in time. Defensively, he’s a little sluggish and has trouble blocking pitches in the dirt.
What they need
The Orioles have catching depth in the upper levels of their farm system. With Wieters back they could afford to part with Joseph. The O’s are likely looking to add a power hitting outfielder, designated hitter type, and a few arms to their bullpen.
Trade options
Joseph may be more of a lateral move than anything. If a trade were to go down it would likely involve Rosario being moved for the benefit of Baltimore’s DH situation.
Tampa Bay Rays:
Who they’ve got
Ryan Hanigan:.218/.318/.324, 1.3 WAR, .998 fielding percentage. Solid defensive catcher over his seven years in the big leagues. Won’t do much with a bat, but couples a high walk rate with few strikeouts.
What they need
The Rays could use a power bat and a reliever. Losing Jose Molina to free agency leaves them without much depth behind the plate.
Trade options
Looking for both a power bat and a catcher could mean that a trade for Hanigan would put Rosario in a position to catch on an AL club. Since Hanigan would be a defensive upgrade, they may want more from the Rockies, likely in the form of prospects, specifically outfielders.
Toronto Blue Jays:
Who they’ve got
Dioner Navarro- .274/.297/.395, 2.3 WAR, .996 fielding percentage. A switch hitting power guy who puts up a high average for his position. He plays hard defensively and doesn’t break easily. Navarro played in 139 games last season with the Jays, but will likely be moved now that Russell Martin’s headed for Toronto.
What they need
The Jays have been busy this offseason. After acquiring Russell Martin, Josh Donaldson and Justin Smoak, the focus will shift to adding arms to their bullpen. Outside of that, the Blue Jays seem to have the least amount of depth at their shortstop and corner outfield positions, as well as an everyday designated hitter if Navarro were to leave.
Trade options
The Rockies don’t have much to offer in terms of relief pitchers. Maybe a deal involving Boone Logan who will likely return to full health in 2015 since it's hard to see the Rockies shopping either Adam Ottavino or LaTroy Hawkins. Toronto appears to be making waves for 2015, so Colorado could pitch with a bigger outfield name like Carlos Gonzalez in a multi-player deal. A worthy consideration for a player like Navarro.
Houston Astros:
Who they’ve got
Jason Castro- .222/.297/.366, 1.7 WAR, .995 fielding percentage. An All-Star in 2013, Castro has had the starting job for Houston for the past two years. Now that the Astros have brought Hank Conger from the Angels, they’ll most likely look to move Castro to a team in need for a higher price.
What they need
The Astros are looking to upgrade from shortstop Jonathan Villar, particularly one that produces runs. They have sufficient depth from the rest of their position players, so any other immediately beneficial trades would be for relievers, and perhaps another starting pitcher.
Trade options
The Rockies and Astros aren’t a great trade match. The Astros probably won't make a move to acquire Troy Tulowitzki, and Josh Rutledge wouldn’t be a very big step up from what they’ve got now. Even if they found common ground, Castro is good, but not big move worthy.
Oakland Athletics:
Who they’ve got
Derek Norris- .270/.361/.403, 3.0 WAR, .992 fielding percentage. Derek Norris has shown incredible potential since making his debut in 2012. Mostly by way of his bat, the bearded backstop found himself in the company of elite catchers Salvador Perez, Kurt Suzuki and Matt Wieters in this year’s All-Star game.
What they need
The A’s need a middle infield plan. With Nick Punto and Eric Sogard slated for 2015, Oakland will undoubtably be looking for a strong defensive shortstop, preferably with right handed power.
Trade options
With Billy Beane at the helm, the possibilities are endless. The A’s could wind up shopping a big name or two for Tulo, or going after young, less expensive talent like DJ LeMahieu or Nolan Arenado to cushion the Josh Donaldson blow. Regardless, any trade with Oakland would likely be big news for both teams
Seattle Mariners:
Who they’ve got
Mike Zunino- .199/.254/.404, 0.6 WAR, .995 fielding percentage. Zunino, at only 22 years old, took over the starting role for Seattle in 2014, his second season in the majors. His low average may be concerning, but with 22 home runs and high quality defense behind the plate, Zunino doesn’t fail to contribute.
What they need
The Mariners are looking to bulk up their outfield this offseason, and their offense along with it. The signing of Nelson Cruz was a big move for Seattle, but they still lack security defensively.
Trade options
It’s very possible that we’ll see a trade between the Rockies and Mariners this offseason. However, with Jose Sucre as their only other option behind the plate, Mike Zunino will probably stay put.
Washington Nationals:
Who they’ve got
Wilson Ramos- .267/.299/.399, 0.9 WAR, .993 fielding percentage. Ramos is a good defensive catcher, who’s got some pop offensively. He’s great to have in the lineup when he’s healthy, but in that lies the problem. Ramos hasn’t played over 100 games in a season since 2011.
What they need
The Nationals have very few holes to fill this offseason. At best, they could upgrade from Danny Espinosa at second base and maybe add a left handed arm to their bullpen.
Trade options
The Rockies could offer a guy like Josh Rutledge in a trade scenario, but with the Nats so close to contention, they may not take the bait. Rutledge would be a slight upgrade from Espinosa offensively, not defensively. With exception to the 2014 season, both lefties Boone Logan and Rex Brothers have shown dominance in late innings. Trades involving either of them would be risky for the Nationals.
Cincinnati Reds:
Who they’ve got
Devin Mesoraco-.273/.359/.534, 4.8 WAR, .997 fielding percentage. An All-Star in 2014, Mesoraco has demonstrated his talent loudly on either side of the ball. His strikeout rate skyrocketed this past season, but as did his slugging percentage. Mesoraco could be a 30+ home run guy within the next year.
What they need
Left field is a huge question mark for the Cincinnati Reds. With so many of their power outfielders coming off of bad and broken 2014 seasons, they’ll be looking to add stability to their outfield.
Trade options
If I’m the Rockies, I’m shelling out for Mesoraco. The time to strike deals with the Reds is now, after such a disappointing season. Corey Dickerson made waves in 2014, and could be an incredibly impactful trade chip, especially to a team in desperate need. Defensively, he’s shaky, but his bat is something else.
Free Agents:
Geovany Soto- .262/.354/.534, 0.5 WAR, .986 fielding percentage. Geovany Soto appeared in only 24 games in 2014. His Rookie of the Year campaign in 2008 was by far and away the best year he has seen in the MLB. At age 31, Soto should be in the prime of his career, but has not played over 100 games for three seasons. Wherever he ends up, it’s difficult to see him taking over the starting role.
A.J. Pierzynski- .251/.288/.337, -0.4 WAR, .994 fielding percentage. AJ Pierzynski is one of the better catchers on the free agent market this offseason. A 17 year veteran, he caught 87 games over two clubs in 2014. Pierzynski will be 38 before the New Year, but is only two seasons off a 27 home run year in 2012. Interested clubs will likely shell out around $10M for a short term contract.
Nick Hundley- .233/.273/.352, 0.0 WAR, .996 fielding percentage. Nick Hundley is average across the board. He’ll probably land somewhere as a backup making more money than a backup catcher usually would.
-Drew Butera- .188/.267/.288, 0.0 WAR, 1.000 fielding percentage. DFAd by Dodgers after claiming Ryan Lavarnway from Boston.
-Jose Molina- .178/.230/.187, -2.0 WAR, .997 fielding percentage. Molina will turn 40 in 2015.
If teams begin to show interest in acquiring Wilin Rosario, the Rockies could look to make a decision as early as this week's Winter Meetings.