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Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon, the other outfield trade candidate in Colorado

By Tim Haberin

Apr 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) slaps hands with Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) after scoring a run in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) slaps hands with Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) after scoring a run in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Carlos Gonzalez’s name may be more prominent in trade rumors, but Charlie Blackmon is another outfielder the Colorado Rockies could look to move.

When it comes to Colorado Rockies trade rumors, Carlos Gonzalez is the subject more often than not. This isn’t the first year his name has generated significant buzz around the deadline. It’s not hard to see why: CarGo is a legitimate power bat and three-time All-Star who would surely net a handsome return on the trade market.

But he’s not the only Rockies outfielder who could be on the move before August 1. Speculation is beginning to swirl around center fielder Charlie Blackmon as well. And for several reasons, he might actually be a more practical trade candidate than his teammate over in right.

Though the goings-on in Colorado don’t tend to receive much attention on the national baseball stage, Blackmon is enjoying a productive season, quite possibly his best as a major leaguer when all is said and done. In 82 games he has managed a .307/.369/.480 slash line with 12 home runs and 44 RBI. His .849 OPS is currently good for ninth among National League outfielders.

If there are any demerits to Blackmon’s performance right now, it’s that he rates as a below average defender (-8.0 UZR/150) and his stolen base numbers have sharply declined. Blackmon swiped 43 bags last year (third in MLB) but has only pilfered 10 so far this season. Many teams will probably accept that in light of the notable improvements at the plate.

The Washington Nationals have recently been mentioned as a potential suitor for Blackmon’s services should the Rockies make him available. Michael Taylor (.658 OPS) and Ben Revere (.569 OPS) have been downright woeful for the Nats in center field, and Blackmon would represent a definite upgrade (while also rivaling Jayson Werth for the honor of having the team’s best beard).

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However, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo put the kibosh on those rumors during a radio interview earlier this week, calling the report “not accurate.” Obviously, this is subterfuge season for GMs and Rizzo’s words might not be particularly indicative of anything. Even if the Nats don’t end up swinging a deal for Blackmon, there are other clubs in need of outfield help (Giants, Indians) that might give him a look.

Now, no one would claim that Blackmon is a better player than Gonzalez or that he would bring in a more attractive trade package. But their home/road splits might give interested teams something else to chew on. Any hitter who plays half his games at Coors Field will be scrutinized for that fact, but check out the effect of the Colorado air on CarGo’s 2016 numbers:

Home: .360/.401/.709, 15 HR, 44 RBI (44 games)
Away: .277/.335/.402, 5 HR, 15 RBI (47 games)

Here are Blackmon’s:

Home: .331/.392/.519, 7 HR, 28 RBI (39 games)
Away: .284/.346/.444, 5 HR, 16 RBI (43 games)

While both players unsurprisingly show notable upticks in performance at home, the difference is much less stark in the case of Blackmon. Gonzalez has been an absolute juggernaut at Coors, but his teammate has actually been the better hitter of the two in other ballparks. Any team dealing for CarGo may have to temper expectations a little bit, while with Blackmon what you see is probably closer to what you’ll get.

Both are 30 years old, though Blackmon is a relative late bloomer, not playing more than 100 games in a season until 2014 at age 28. Gonzalez is signed through next season at $20 million, while Blackmon is eligible for arbitration and can enter free agency after the 2018 campaign.

Gonzalez is in no real danger of being outshined by his teammate, but Blackmon gives teams knocking on the Rockies’ door in search of an outfielder another option to consider. He’s cheaper, under team control for an extra year, and may not experience as much of an offensive downturn away from Coors Field.

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With CarGo signed through next season, the Rockies aren’t necessarily pressured to move him now if they don’t receive an offer they like. Colorado is eight games out of the second Wild Card spot, so depending on how the next week goes, they could either weigh their options or move aggressively in shopping their pair of outfield trade candidates.

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