Colorado Rockies continue to make unexpectedly good moves
The Colorado Rockies have not exactly covered themselves in glory in recent years. Their transaction history had been a disaster, from failing to sign a major league free agent since 2018 and only keeping their own players. This is the franchise that sent $50 million with Nolan Arenado to get essentially nothing back after alienating their star player. It seemed as though the Rockies were as allergic to intelligent moves as I am to eggs.
That changed this offseason. The Rockies started to go outside the organization. Free agent deals may have been small, but they were the right moves. Players were extended to build up their core. Then, they threw an unexpected haymaker by signing Kris Bryant. Those moves continued on Thursday when they acquired Randal Grichuk from the Blue Jays for Raimel Tapia and Adrian Pinto.
Colorado Rockies making right moves to improve roster
The Rockies had been waiting for Tapia to live up to his potential for years. A consensus top 100 prospect prior to the 2017 season, he was unable to develop as expected. Tapia had posted an 80 OPS+ in parts of six years in Colorado, hitting 19 homers and 71 doubles while stealing 20 bases in his 1425 plate appearances.
Pinto is not someone that is going to appear on top 30 prospects lists currently, but he did perform well in the Dominican Summer League in 2021. He spent time at second, short, and center last season as he appears to be getting groomed for a future as a utility player. Chances are, he will make his full season debut this year.
Grichuk, however, is the clear prize of the deal. The Rockies had been looking to upgrade their outfield and have done so, adding another solid power bat. He had a down year in 2021, but produced an 89 OPS+ with 22 homers and 25 doubles in his 545 plate appearances. As the Rockies did not have much in the way of options in center, Grichuk definitely improves their lineup.
He is also more than a rental. Grichuk is under team control through 2023, giving them a solid piece moving forward. If Grichuk proves to be a good fit, they could look to extend him as well; he is just 30 years old and in the midst of his prime.
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The Colorado Rockies have acquired Randal Grichuk for almost nothing. All of a sudden, the organization is making the right moves.