In the middle of another “going nowhere” seasons, the Colorado Rockies seem to be open to offers regarding Charlie Blackmon, with the Washington Nationals showing serious interest in the centerfielder.
Right now the Nationals are disappointed with what they’re getting from their two players at CF, Ben Revere and Michael Taylor. Revere is batting just .222 with a .596 OPS, while Taylor is doing slightly better, batting a .227 with a .661 OPS. In short, they’re getting replacement level production from their two players at the position, and if there’s a place they need to upgrade in, it’s their outfield.
On the other hand, Blackmon is having a career-best season, hitting 12 home runs with 43 RBIs so far, batting .305 and posting a .849 OPS. He’s not the best of defenders (playing in a hitter-friendly park might be the reason), but he’s an excellent baserunner (43 stolen bases last season). He’s not cheap, making $3.5 million this season with two more years of being controllable under arbitration, but even with a pay raise he’s due for, considering his contributions on an everyday basis, he’s worth it.
Revere is $6.25 million this season and has one more season of arbitration, Taylor is controllable through the 2020 season, making him a bit more interesting to hold on to. In any case, the Rockies will probably be more interested in what the Nationals have to offer on the mound, according to their recent moves, which have been about stockpiling young, talented hurlers.
Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, Erick Fedde, A.J. Cole and Austin Voth have been mentioned as possible targets for teams if the Nationals want to use their farm system in an upcoming deal, with Cole and Giolito already getting a taste of the majors this season. The Nationals have the talent to push this deal forward. Just like with their Carlos Gonzalez situation (to trade or not to trade), it’s more up to the Rockies going along with it.