Close Article Return to stream X
MLB •

5 Colorado Rockies Who Must Be Dealt Before the 2015 Trade Deadline

+Read full article

5 Colorado Rockies Who Must Be Dealt Before the 2015 Trade Deadline

MLB: Colorado Rockies at Milwaukee Brewers
Benny Sieu - USATODAY Sports

It’s been a rough season for the Colorado Rockies, as they have one of the worst records in baseball late in May. They also play in a division with two clear front-runners that are good year in year out. It may finally be time for Colorado to move into rebuilding mode, and if that’s the case, they’re going to have plenty of trade chips this summer. Here are five players the Rockies should deal before the trade deadline.

5. John Axford

John Axford Rockies
Joe Camporeale - USATODAY Sports

5. John Axford

John Axford Rockies
Joe Camporeale - USATODAY Sports

Axford hasn't gotten many opportunities to close games for Colorado this year, but he's had a good season with an ERA under one. He'll be a free agent after the season, and since the Rockies don't really need a closer, it's obvious that Axford should be on the trade block this summer. With a season like the one Axford is having, he'll be a good addition to a contending team and should get the Rockies something substantial in a trade.

4. Kyle Kendrick

kylekendrick
Getty Images

4. Kyle Kendrick

kylekendrick
Getty Images

Kendrick has been a disaster this year, but based on his track record, some pitching-starved team should be willing to take a chance on him. If Kendrick can get out of such a hitter-friendly environment like Colorado, he should be a viable option. He's not doing anything to help the Rockies right now, and trading him could open up a spot in the rotation for top prospect Jon Gray during the second half of the season.

3. Justin Morneau

Justin Morneau Colorado Rockies
Ron Chenoy - USATODAY Sports

3. Justin Morneau

Justin Morneau Colorado Rockies
Ron Chenoy - USATODAY Sports

Morneau is wasting one of his last good seasons in Colorado. Unless his $ 9 million mutual option for next season is activated, he'll be somewhere else next season anyway, so the Rockies might as well trade him and get something for him. He's a professional hitter, and in an offensively-starved league, there should be a few teams happy to trade for him. The Rockies would likely get a nice return if they move him before the deadline.

2. Carlos Gonzalez

Carlos Gonzalez-Ron Chenoy USAT - Copy
Ron Chenoy - USATODAY Sports

2. Carlos Gonzalez

Carlos Gonzalez-Ron Chenoy USAT - Copy
Ron Chenoy - USATODAY Sports

Trading CarGo could be tricky after his slow start to the season, and obviously the huge contract that comes with him. But unless Colorado thinks they can rebuild and turn things around within two years, they have to try moving Gonzalez. Despite a sluggish season thus far, if the Rockies put his name out there, other teams will express interest. They won't get max value for him, but if they're willing, they'll get something substantial.

1. Troy Tulowitzki

Colorado Rockies v Los Angeles Dodgers
Getty Images

1. Troy Tulowitzki

Colorado Rockies v Los Angeles Dodgers
Getty Images

Trading Tulowitzki has been talked about for years, and quite frankly, it's been talked to death. Now is the time to trade him before his value declines further due to age and injuries. The Rockies won't get as much as they could have a couple years ago, but enough teams will be interested in acquiring Tulowitzki that the price to get him will be high, giving Colorado plenty of good pieces to help their rebuilding efforts.

Bryan Zarpentine is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
Your Favorites