As reported by both Thomas Harding of MLB.com and Jon Heyman, the Rockies are pursuing free agent outfielder Gerardo Parra.
The Rockies are already set in their outfield with the trio of Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon, and Corey Dickerson, so their pursuit sets the stage for a trade. Gonzalez is owed $37 million over the next two seasons while Blackmon and Dickerson are under team control through 2018 and 2019, respectively. Harding writes that “logical speculation” surrounds Gonzalez. It makes sense, as his contract could make him an appealing alternative to teams pursuing high-profile free agents like Chris Davis, Alex Gordon, Justin Upton, and Yoenis Cespedes.
Parra turns 29 in May and batted .291/.328/.452 with 14 home runs, 51 RBI, and 14 stolen bases over 155 games last season between the Brewers and Orioles. His production took a huge dip after being traded to Baltimore, but his 110 OPS+ was still his best since 2011. He’s said to be looking for a multi-year deal while Heyman hears that “seven or eight teams” are in the mix.
