The Colorado Rockies are tied with the Miami Marlins for a National League worst of 19 wins. After Colorado went on a hot streak, winning seven in a row, they’ve just won four out of their last six games. While the Rockies look to continue improving, some of their players have been generating trade buzz. 33-year-old Rockies catcher Elías Díaz has generated trade interest from around the league.
Díaz is set to be a free agent after the 2024 regular season. Although the veteran catcher has played great for Colorado this season, trading him allows space for the Rockies promising, younger talent. It’s been prominent for Colorado this season to move up in the standings and don’t hit a new franchise low. The Chicago Cubs have been one team rumored to be eying out Díaz for a catcher upgrade. In Bob Nightengale’s wrote in his recent piece this is what he had to say about the Rockies situation with their catcher:
“Teams are keeping a close eye on Colorado Rockies catcher Elias Diaz, who is having his career-best season, hitting .311 with four homers, 23 RBI and an .804 OPS. He’s a free agent after the season.”
33-Year-Old Rockies Catcher is Generating Trade Interest
Díaz has played in 44 games with the Rockies this season. In 158 at-bats, the 33-year-old Rockies catcher has recorded 48 hits, four being home runs, with 23 batches and a batting average of .304. On May 22nd, the right-handed catcher went three for five with two runs batted in during a 4-3 win over the Oakland Athletics. His 23 runs batted in are tied with Charlie Blackmon and Ezequiel Tovar for second-most for the Rockies. At the same time, Díaz’s .304 batting average ranks second for the Rockies behind Jacob Stallings. The Rockies catcher has been a much-needed asset for the team throughout this regular season. He certainly has elevated the Rockies play and could help out a potential playoff-contending franchise.
What Would the Rockies Do If They Traded Elías Díaz
If the Rockies decide to trade Díaz away, Jacob Stallings would become the Rockies starting catcher. Colorado may look to trade, sign, or even draft a catcher with extreme potential since Stallings is 34 years old. Although Stallings leads the team with a .323 batting average, he’s played in 20 fewer games than Díaz. The 33-year-old Rockies catcher’s future is still undetermined, and with the rumors swirling around, optimistically, Díaz can stay focused and help the Rockies win as many games as possible. Colorado is depending on Díaz’s great play. Someone like former National League MVP Kris Bryant, who has had a bleak return since coming back to the team. Whatever the Rockies decide to do, it must be what’s best for the team.
Main Photo Credits: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
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