Colorado Rockies: 3 destinations for Trevor Story
There is little question that the Colorado Rockies will trade Trevor Story by the deadline. He is in the final year of his contract, and has rebuffed any attempts at an extension. With the Rockies finally admitting that they need to reset the roster, it is time to begin the rebuilding process. And that will start with Story.
As it is, those trade discussions have yet to really go anywhere. Although numerous teams would be interested in his services, Story is currently on the Injured List due to an elbow injury. Fortunately, he may return to the lineup next week, as the MRI on his inflamed elbow was clean.
Three trade destinations for Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story
That is certainly good news for both the Rockies and Story. Not only will he have a chance to build on what has been a disappointing 2021 campaign, as he had produced a .255/.322/.424 batting line with five homers and 12 doubles, but the Rockies can look to see if he will improve his trade value. Plenty of teams will be monitoring his performance once he is activated.
Where will Trevor Story end up at the trade deadline? Here are three possible options.
New York Yankees
It seems as though the New York Yankees had been considered a possible destination for Trevor Story since the 2020 season came to an end.
The Yankees certainly need help in the middle of their infield. As DJ LeMahieu has been required to play primarily at first due to injuries, the Yankees are sending out a middle infield of Rougned Odor and Gleyber Torres.
While Torrez has been relatively solid, posting a 97 OPS+ and saving three runs defensively, he is not in the same class of player that Story is. The Yankees lineup has also been uncharacteristically mediocre this season, ranking 14th in the AL in runs scored and 11th in OPS entering Friday. A healthy Story would improve those rankings.
For the Yankees, success is measured in championships. By their standard, they have not had a successful season since 2009, and have not even returned to the World Series since then. Adding Story would be a step towards returning to postseason glory.
When the Colorado Rockies finally put Trevor Story on the block, the New York Yankees need to pick up the phone. He will not be the cure-all, but his presence in the lineup will help.
Oakland A’s
While the Oakland A’s typically are not considered to be a team that spends money on players at any point in time, they do have a history of making a splash at the trade deadline.
Over the years, they have acquired the likes of Jon Lester, Jeff Samardzija, and Tommy La Stella to bolster their postseason chances. As the A’s are battling the Astros for the AL West, it would behoove the A’s to find an upgrade at short, especially as they last in the majors in OPS at the position.
While Elvis Andrus has been on fire of late, his track record over the past few years is not the greatest. Story may be struggling by his standards this season, but he would be a tremendous upgrade at short, both in terms of what he brings to the lineup and with his defense.
The problem would be what the A’s would do with Andrus. He is under contract through 2022, with a vesting option for 2023. While the Rangers are picking up $7.25 million of his salary next year, Andrus would almost have to be sent to the Colorado Rockies in any trade for Story. This could mean that the A’s would need to either improve their package of prospects, or include additional money of their own to facilitate a trade.
The Oakland A’s make perfect sense as a landing spot for Trevor Story. They just need to figure out what to do with Elvis Andrus should a trade happen.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are similar to the Oakland A’s – a team known for frugality when it comes to players, but in postseason contention virtually every year.
Tampa Bay has already been through a bit of a carousel at short. Willy Adames, the Opening Day shortstop, was sent off to Milwaukee. Taylor Walls had a solid showing at Triple-A, leading to a call to the majors once Adames was traded, but he has not been much of an improvement with the bat.
Story would be the perfect addition for the Rays as they keep an eye towards their future. While Walls is likely just a placeholder for now, top prospect Wander Franco is getting closer to being major league ready. Story would not block his path for 2022, and would be a potential upgrade to their lineup as they look to hold on to a playoff berth.
The Rays also have the type of farm system that could drastically help the Colorado Rockies without making much of an impact. They have a minor league system that is stacked with young arms and position players, allowing them to make the type of blockbuster deal that could lead to Story heading to Tropicana Field.
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The Tampa Bay Rays are not usually considered when it comes to the top trade targets. But in this case, they make perfect sense as a landing spot for Trevor Story.