Rockies use Winter Meetings to window shop
LAS VEGAS -- Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich went to the Winter Meetings to browse for the offensive impact his team needs, but there are plenty of shopping days before the 2019 season begins.
Having hired Dave Magadan as hitting coach and then focused on filling the hole at first base, Colorado engaged in discussions with the Mariners about Carlos Santana and the Indians about Edwin Encarnacion, but saw them traded for each other Thursday morning. The Rockies still have plenty of options.
Biggest remaining needs
1. Offense: The latest possible targets are free agents Daniel Murphy, Neil Walker and Logan Morrison, and trade possibility Justin Smoak. Infielder-outfielder types Marwin Gonzalez and Josh Harrison have been listed among possibilities.
2. Bullpen: It's constant. With dollars going to improving the offense and Colorado still paying on big investments last offseason (Wade Davis, Jake McGee and Bryan Shaw), it would be extremely difficult to bid on retaining righty Adam Ottavino, who was one of the National League's most effective relievers last season. But that doesn't preclude a lower-salary find.
3. Catcher: The search for depth here is also constant. While it's hard to imagine a big financial splash, there could be a move to bolster the spot. Colorado has Chris Iannetta, Tony Wolters and Tom Murphy on the 40-man roster, and picked up Brett Nicholas (formerly with the Rangers) last month on a Minor League contract.
• Rox shift 1B/2B search to short-term options
Rule 5 Draft
The Rockies did not draft anyone in the Major League phase, but lost right-handed reliever Brandon Brennan when he was chosen by the Mariners.
Brennan, 27, split last year between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte in the White Sox organization and was recently signed by the Rockies to a Minor League contract. He was 4-3 with a 3.10 ERA in 40 outings (one start) with Birmingham and 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in four relief appearances for Charlotte.
• 2018 Rule 5 Draft results
In the Minor League phase, Colorado re-acquired Chris Rabago in a circuitous manner.
Rabago was on the 40-man Major League roster last season, but was claimed off waivers by the Yankees on Aug. 22 when Colorado needed a spot for veteran reserve Matthew Holliday. On Tuesday, the Royals selected Rabago from the Yankees, then sent him to the Rockies for cash considerations.
GM's bottom line
"It's tough to come here, start something and finish something. You pick up on conversations that precede these meetings and you hope to advance those conversations down the field. I think we've done that in a couple of different areas." -- Bridich