Rockies Rumors: Jeremy Guthrie Expected to be Available

Colorado Rockies right-hander Jeremy Guthrie is a candidate to be traded this summer, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  The Rockies currently find themselves in the basement of the National League West, and Rosenthal believes the team could look to deal Guthrie to make room for younger starting pitchers.  The Rockies acquired Guthrie this offseason in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles.

Guthrie hasn’t gotten off to a good start with the Rockies, posting an ERA and WHIP of 5.55 and 1.458 over his first six appearances.  Over his 35 2/3 innings pitched, Guthrie has surrendered 36 hits and 16 walks.  His current BB/9 (4.0) is well above his career norm (2.7) and his strikeout rate, while never high, has dipped to a meager 3.3 SO/9.

On top of his poor numbers, Guthrie is set to earn $8.2 million this season before becoming a free agent this winter.

Still, Guthrie could be attractive due to his track record of success in the AL East.  Before joining the Rockies this offseason, Guthrie had spent the past five seasons with the Orioles.  Over that span, Guthrie maintained an ERA and WHIP of 4.12 and 1.273.  In three of Guthrie’s five seasons with the Birds, the 33-year-old posted ERA’s south of 3.85.

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are in need of pitching and could covet Guthrie’s arm because of his experience pitching in the AL East.  Others figure to be interested as well if Guthrie does become available.

Rosenthal noted that teams with potential free agents will look to trade them sooner-than-later to save a little money and get more in return.  In Guthrie’s case, the veteran could use a few solid starts to bolster his value before the Rockies ship him out.

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