The Colorado Rockies are a confusing team to figure out. After making a rebuilding move and trading Nolan Arenado away (and acquiring a questionable return at best), they let Trevor Story and John Gray walk in free agency last season. Sure, compensation picks are one thing. But the Rockies should have traded both players in order to speed up the rebuilding process. And then they signed Kris Bryant over this past offseason in a rather bizarre move. Bryant is a superstar, but he didn't fit the Rockies strategy.
And one has to wonder how long Colorado will realistically hold onto Kris Bryant. They signed him a to a 7-year, $182 million dollar deal prior to the season. But they could ultimately trade him in a rebuilding move. But is he one of the 3 players Colorado must move ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline?
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3 players Rockies must move ahead of 2022 MLB trade deadline
Chad Kuhl
Chad Kuhl is not a bad pitcher. He tends to go unnoticed because he pitches in Colorado. And his career 4.34 ERA doesn't help the matter. But Kuhl currently owns a 3.83 ERA despite pitching at Coors Field and it's lofty elevation.
The right-hander recently shutout the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers at home. That alone should be enough for teams to take a chance on him. The Rockies need to avoid letting him walk away in free agency next year for nothing. Colorado has a chance to capitalize on decent trade value.
Daniel Bard
Daniel Bard is a talented closer who currently has 16 saves and a 2.05 ERA. The right-hander has also flown under-the-radar, but very well could be headed to LA for the All-Star game later in July. And I wouldn't be shocked to see him heading to LA to join the Dodgers via trade as well.
But there will be plenty of other potential suitors for Kuhl, as there is always a market for relievers. Teams can never have enough bullpen options. And Daniel Bard's impressive performance for the Rockies this season has not gone unnoticed amongst MLB front offices.
CJ Cron
CJ Cron is under contract through 2023. The first baseman is enjoying a remarkable campaign in Colorado. He is slashing .297/.347/.552 with a .899 OPS and 20 home runs.
If Cron keeps producing at this level, it wouldn't be surprising to see him earn a couple of MVP votes. And yes, hitting in Colorado has helped his overall production. But he possesses plenty of power regardless of where he plays.
The implementation of the universal DH will provide more suitors in a potential CJ Cron deal. Teams with first baseman locked in can still inquire about Cron as a DH. The Cardinals could make sense as a suitor. Paul Goldschmidt is their first baseman, but Cron could slide into a DH role for St. Louis.
Let's talk about Kris Bryant
Kris Bryant isn't someone the Rockies must trade this season. However, I doubt Bryant remains in Colorado for the entire portion of his 7-year deal.
And the Rockies would be smart to trade him sooner rather than later. If they wait until year 4 of 5 of the contract, Bryant will be in his mid-30s and Colorado's return on value will decrease dramatically. But if they can swing a deal within the next couple of seasons, Kris Bryant could net them top-tier prospects.
Could the Rockies shock the MLB world and deal him away ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline? For the right price, possibly. But a Bryant trade within the next couple of years seems more realistic.
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