The Colorado Rockcies have discussed a trade that would send center fielder Charlie Blackmon to the Blue Jays for pitcher Marcus Stroman, according to FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi:
#Rockies have interest in #BlueJays starter Marcus Stroman, but Toronto isn’t willing to trade him for Charlie Blackmon, straight up. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 7, 2016
Stroman, a 25-year-old right-hander, pitched his first full season in the big leagues in 2016 after tearing his ACL and missing most of the 2015 season.
He had a 4.37 ERA and 3.71 FIP in 2016, pitching 204 innings with a 1.29 WHIP, 54 walks and 166 strikeouts. Also appealing to the Rockies is his 60.1% ground ball rate, which would play well at Coors Field. Stroman was a first-round draft pick in 2012 and was a top-100 prospect entering 2014, the season in which he made his big league debut.
With today’s signing of Ian Desmond makes a crowded outfield for the Rockies, but also gives them an opportunity to cash in one of those outfielders to improve their pitching staff, though they may have to add another prospect with Blackmon to acquire Stroman.
It always seemed that there was more to come when the Rockies signed Desmond this morning, and this may be the next domino to fall. Stick with Purple Row for updates as the situation develops.