Colorado Rockies: Sunday's Rumors, Free Agent Target Update
It’s been all quiet on the hot stove front for the Colorado Rockies so far this offseason. While several players have been reportedly targeted to help the Rockies fill needs at first base and in the bullpen, nothing official has happened as Thanksgiving weekend drew to a close.
While nothing firm has happened just yet, there is some talk about two players who the Rockies have reportedly been interested in.
Mike Napoli, one of the first base options who could find his way to Coors Field in the offseason, has been bypassed by at least one other potential suitor. The Seattle Mariners are reportedly turning their attention away from Napoli (and all other position players) and focusing on pitching. This comes after Seattle was rumored to be one of the frontrunners for Napoli’s services.
After the Mariners just sent pitcher Taijuan Walker to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a trade, it appears Seattle is ready to possibly reload with another pitching option they can find through free agency.
As we’ve detailed in this article, Napoli would bring a lot to the Rockies, both on and off the field. However, there are still other teams in contention for the veteran’s services, including the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and other American League teams who could use him as both a first baseman and designated hitter.
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There are options out there for the Rockies at first base should Napoli choose to stay in the American League. We detailed four of those options in this article, including the possibility of the Rockies and Matt Holliday reuniting for the 2017 season.
Meanwhile, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post talked about the possibilities of Colorado signing Mark Melancon in free agency in this article. The elite closer is a native of the Denver area. However, he’s also one of the most coveted relievers on the market today. Melancon has already met with the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers are also rumored to have interest in him. Both of those teams would more than likely pay more for Melancon’s services than the Rockies are willing to spend.
Melancon is one of three “elite closers” on the market today, joining Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen as finishers who will demand high contracts. With that in mind, could the Rockies save their money in chasing Melancon and put it toward an option at first base? With Adam Ottavino healthy and seemingly ready to assume Colorado’s closer duties for 2017, it’s a strong possibility.
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