Colorado Rockies: Promote Trevor Story, Cut Jose Reyes
The Colorado Rockies need to realize Trevor Story‘s future value with the team, which involves cutting Jose Reyes in the process.
The Colorado Rockies continue to hang in the balance between competing and rebuilding in the National League West. However, the Colorado Rockies have one of the best farm systems in the MLB, with a bevy of positional players knocking at the door. One player knocking the loudest is shortstop prospect Trevor Story, who began his 2016 Spring Training with a bang, hitting .333 with two home runs and five RBI.
Next: Grading on the Curve: Top Five MLB Prospects by Position
After the conclusion of the 2015 season, Trevor Story ranked as the Colorado Rockies’ 11th-best prospect in the farm system; however, that ranking seems low. Trevor Story possesses solid raw power and contact skills, similar to former All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Despite Trevor Story’s hot start to Spring Training, he is not a lock to make the Colorado Rockies’ roster out of camp, with several other middle-infield players in the fold.
One things that plays in Trevor Story’s favor is the fact that the Colorado Rockies could be without Jose Reyes for a good chunk of the 2016 season. With Aroldis Chapman receiving a 30-game suspension, Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes should expect a loftier suspension once his court date concludes. The Colorado Rockies are planning to be without their former All-Star shortstop for a while, so should Trevor Story be in their near-future plans?
With Jose Reyes’ status in question for the 2016 season, the Colorado Rockies need to turn the page on the former All-Star and promote from within. Despite Jose Reyes’ absurd contract, the Colorado Rockies would be wise to cut him from the roster and move on. In short, Jose Reyes is not worth the PR disaster or the money for the Colorado Rockies, especially with Trevor Story close to an MLB promotion.
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Over the past few seasons, Jose Reyes’ production decreased with age, with 2015 being one of his worst professional seasons. The Colorado Rockies took on Jose Reyes’ contract, because they believed Reyes provided a slight downgrade at the shortstop position. Plus, the Colorado Rockies were able to land three of the Blue Jays’ top prospects in the process. However, Jose Reyes looks like a replacement-level player in this stage of his career; thus, the Colorado Rockies have better options within the organization.
For the time being, Jose Reyes will be away from the Colorado Rockies until his court date for domestic violence. With no Spring Training and an imminent suspension looming, Jose Reyes might not be game-ready at any point during the 2016 season. Thus, Trevor Story (and not Cristhian Adames) should be the Opening Day starting shortstop for the Colorado Rockies. At this point in time, no one on the Colorado Rockies’ roster offers as much upside as Story.
Last season, split between Double-A and Triple-A, Trevor Story managed to launch 20 home runs and drive in 80 RBI. Trevor Story’s splits between Double-A and Triple-A were eerily similar, with him hitting 10 home runs and 40 RBI at each stop. Moreover, Trevor Story did not see a dip in batting average with the promotion to Triple-A. With a new wave of shortstop talent around the MLB, Trevor Story offers an upgrade in the short-term for the Colorado Rockies (until Brendan Rodgers is ready).
The Colorado Rockies need to cut ties with Jose Reyes and allow Trevor Story to take the reins heading into 2016. As of now, Trevor Story’s bat seems to be a couple notches ahead of his glove; however, once adapted to the MLB speed of play, Story should translate into a solid defensive shortstop, with solid glove-work and an above-average arm.
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More than likely, the Colorado Rockies wanted Jose Reyes to bridge the gap from Troy Tulowitzki to Brendan Rodgers, but with Reyes’ recent arrest, the Colorado Rockies should part ways sooner rather than later. While the Colorado Rockies want Brendan Rodgers (#1 ranked prospect) to be their shortstop of the future, Trevor Story could fill in for the time being and transition to second base once Rodgers is ready for the Show.
If Trevor Story continues to rake at a high rate in Spring Training, the Colorado Rockies will have no other option but to promote their highly-touted (though underappreciated) prospect. Just on his bat alone, Trevor Story could be one of the best slugging shortstops at the MLB level, joining Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, and Brandon Crawford.
The shortstop position, in the Major Leagues, is transitioning from players like Jose Reyes to players like Carlos Correa. The Colorado Rockies need an athlete at one of the most valuable positions on the diamond. With Reyes’ diminishing legs, his baserunning speed and defensive range have taken a hit, which does not bode well for his long-term value.
Next: Grading on the Curve: Top Five MLB Prospects by Position
The days of Jose Reyes dominating opposing pitchers are coming to an end, and the Colorado Rockies need to be aware of that situation. While the Colorado Rockies’ front office does not always make sensible moves, promoting Trevor Story as the starting shortstop should only help the team in 2016. Move over Reyes, there is a new sheriff in town, and his name is Trevor Story. Rockies fans, get familiar with the name; Trevor Story should be fun to watch.