With the Colorado Rockies falling out of the postseason race, they’re likely to become sellers before the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline, with Charlie Blackmon a prime candidate to be moved.
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Nationals GM Denies Blackmon Rumor
Wednesday, July 20
During an appearance on 106.7 The Fan (h/t Pete Medhurst), Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said that a rumor from Jon Morosi of MLB Network stating the club is reportedly “showing interest” in Blackmon is “not accurate.”
Rockies Could Cash In on Blackmon to Fuel Rebuild
Blackmon, 30, is having another excellent season, hitting .307 with 12 home runs, 43 RBI and 10 stolen bases.
Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball reported earlier in July that the Rockies were shopping both Blackmon and star outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.
Dealing either (or both) would make sense for the Rockies. As of July 20, the team is six games under .500 (43-50), 13.5 games out of first place in the NL West and eight games back in the NL wild-card hunt. Both players are 30, and while Blackmon is up for arbitration after this year, per Spotrac.com, Gonzalez is under contract through 2017.
Plus, the Rockies would be dealing each (or both) in their primes and amid excellent seasons, likely ensuring a lucrative return.
Blackmon, meanwhile, would certainly improve Washington’s lineup at the top of the order. As Morosi noted, the team is 30th in leadoff OPS and 28th in center field OPS, so Blackmon would be a huge upgrade.
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