According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Colorado Rockies remain interested in signing 1B/OF Mark Trumbo despite having recently signed Ian Desmond to a five year, $70 million dollar deal to play first base next season.
Should the Rockies sign Trumbo, the team may ultimately trade one of their outfielders. Last season, the Rockies outfield was primarily comprised of Gerardo Parra, Charlie Blackmon, and Carlos Gonzalez. Parra has two years and $18 million remaining on his contract with a $12 million team option for 2019. Blackmon is second year arbitration eligible and is scheduled to be a free agent in 2019. Gonzalez will earn $20 million in the last year of a six year deal he has with the Rockies.
If the Rockies put their outfielders on the market, it could further complicate the Mets chances to move Jay Bruce this offseason. At the moment, there have not been any rumors with respect to Bruce.
Earlier in the offseason, it had been reported the Orioles had some interest in Bruce but were more interested in Curtis Granderson. They are also still in the mix for Trumbo, reportedly.
Ultimately, a deal between the Mets and Orioles fell apart. However, it is possible that if Trumbo signs with a new team, the Mets and Orioles could rekindle their trade discussions. At the time, the Mets were interested in O’s reliever Brad Brach.
Brach posted a 2.05 ERA and recorded 24 holds in 71 games. The 29-year-old righty had 92 strikeouts in 79 innings.
