When the Rockies signed outfielder Gerardo Parra this offseason, it was expected that sooner or later Colorado would have to make some moves in order to clear out their outfield logjam. While many expected Carlos Gonzalez would be the first to go, Corey Dickerson was in fact the one being shipped out. Colorado shipped the 26 year-old outfielder to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for multiple pitchers. The deal was first reported by MLB Network’s Joel Sherman.
With #Rockies unlikely to contend, McGee instantly becomes major candidate to move at the trade deadline.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 28, 2016
Corey Dickerson Shipped to the Rays
Dickerson’s 2015 season was shortened to only 65 games due to plantar fasciitis, but was productive in that short period. In 234 plate appearances, Dickerson posted a .304/.333/.536 slash line with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs. However, the disparity between Dickerson’s performance at Coors Field versus on the road is tremendous. While the Mississippi native produced a .355/.410/.675 slash line at home, Dickerson produced a subpar slash line of .249/.286/.410 on the road, alluding to the potential pitfalls of acquiring a position player from Colorado.
Corey Dickerson career splits: Home: .355/.410/.675 Road: .249/.286/.410 Always the danger in trading for a Colorado position player.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 28, 2016
Highlighting the return for the Rockies is Jake McGee, who has emerged as one of the more dominant left-handed relievers in all of baseball over the last few seasons. While Dickerson is an emerging young talent, it appears Colorado was selling-low in this instance. McGee, being one of the better relievers on the market, is a middle reliever at best and is due $4.8 million dollars this year before hitting arbitration next year. It is reasonable to believe that Colorado was only shipping off Dickerson to clear up space in their outfield, rather than addressing their bullpen issues.
While the other players involved in the deal have yet to be revealed, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that it is not believed to be any of the top 10 prospects in the Tampa minor league system. Additionally, Rosenthal reported that this could be a precursor to the Rays pursuing free agent shortstop Ian Desmond after saving $4 million as a result of this trade.
#Rays saving more than $4M with this trade. Could apply it toward signing of Desmond. But are they willing to give up No. 13 pick in draft?
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 28, 2016
Main Photo:
