Update: The Rockies are also still engaged with talks with Greg Holland to come back as closer, according to Patrick Saunders. This week should give us a sense of how the market is shaping up for Holland and just how expensive he would be in terms of years and dollars for the Rockies.
The 2017 MLB winter meetings are underway and the rumors are already beginning to flow. Bob Nightengale is reporting that the Rockies and Cardinals are both in active pursuit of a Alex Colomé. The Tampa Bay Rays closer is one of the top closers available on the trade market this offseason. The Rockies’ pursuit of him could signal that the top free agent closers have priced themselves out of Colorado’s range (pun intended).
Colomé saved 47 games for the Rays last season while posting a 3.24 ERA in 662⁄3 innings. He also struck out 58 against only 23 walks. While his 2017 was solid, it pales in comparison to the season that he had in 2016 for the Rays. In 2016, Colomé had a 1.91 ERA and 71 strikeouts against 15 walks in 562⁄3 innings.
With a December 31 birthday Colomé will turn 29 before next season, but he is just now entering his first season of arbitration. While his price tag will climb over the next three offseasons, whichever team obtains him will have three years of team control.