The Colorado Rockies finished the first half of the 2024 regular season with an atrocious 34-63 record. Since returning from the all-star break, the Rockies have won three out of their four games played. It may be nice to see this team finally win a few games. However, it’s too late to do some serious damage in the National League. This team can absolutely benefit their future from the trade market. Since May, Rockies starting catcher Elias Diaz has generated trade interest from multiple teams around the league. The 2023 All-Star Game MVP could be the first domino traded before or at the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline on July 30th. A few contenders and teams looking to jump into playoff contention could use an upgrade at the catcher position.
Trade Destinations for the 2023 All-Star Game MVP
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are in desperate need of an everyday starting catcher. New York’s catcher, Jose Trevino, has been on the IL since July 12th. It’s been mainly Austin Wells receiving the majority of the at-bats. However, Wells still needs to fill the void Trevino left. Wells has gone five for 25 at the plate since Trevino was moved to the IL. Diaz is a better upgrade at the position than Wells and possibly Trevino. The 2023 All-Star Game MVP is having his best defensive year; he sits just below Trevino in pitch framing and blocking stats. Yet, Diaz is ahead in pop time and caught stealing above average. This wouldn’t be a long-term commitment, as the 2023 All-Star Game MVP is set to hit free agency at the end of the season. Another solid bat could help seal the Yankees another AL East divisional title.
Chicago Cubs
In the last month and a half or so, the Chicago Cubs have dealt with a rough stretch, considerably falling behind in the playoff race and within their division. Many believe the 2023 All-Star Game MVP is the right player to help turn this team around. Chicago is 49-53 and sits nine games back from first place in the NL Central. Adding a guy like Diaz could help change the woes of this Cubs franchise. This Cubs team has 25-year-old Miguel Amaya as their starting catcher. Bringing in Diaz could help develop Amaya’s game at the plate to a top level. If the Cubs are determined to stick with their current team and not sell on guys like Cody Bellinger and Jameson Taillon, expect Chicago to try and make a move on Diaz.
San Diego Padres
While it would be a dreadful move to trade with a division rival, a trade with the Padres could work out in the Rockies future plans. San Diego would like to diminish the Los Angeles Dodgers’ eight-game lead in the NL West division. Trading for Diaz could help make the Padres win a few more games. For the past couple of seasons, San Diego has looked to dethrone Los Angeles as the top dog in the division. Yet, despite all their moves, it’s been a struggle to keep up with the Dodgers. This team would get a surefire upgrade at the catcher position with the 2023 All-Star Game MVP. Colorado may dislike the idea at first. Nonetheless, with Diaz being 33 years old and pending free agency, the move may work out more in the Rockies favor.
Main Photo Credits: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
