Colorado Rockies

Colorado Rockies star Trevor Story exited early against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday after getting hit by a pitch in the top of the eighth.

Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reported that Story was hit on the index finger of his right hand by Chris Devenski and did not take the field for the bottom of the inning. He was 1-for-3 with a hit, run and two RBI in addition to the walk.

The Athletic's Nike Groke reported that early X-rays were clear of a fracture.

Alan Trejo moved to shortstop to fill the hole in the field, while Ryan McMahon went to second and Josh Fuentes entered the game at third base. The Rockies ended up falling to the Diamondbacks, 8-4.

Story, who survived an offseason that saw franchise star Nolan Arenado traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, has been a major piece of the Rockies infield since he made his MLB debut in 2016.

In 2020, he slashed .289/.355/.519 with 15 stolen bases, the most in the National League. He brought that success into the early parts of 2021, with a .283/.336/.495 slash line and 16 RBI.

General manager Jeff Bridich acknowledged Story's contributions in February, saying that the Rockies "certainly cherish having Trevor as our shortstop."

A first-round pick (No. 45 overall) by the Rockies out of high school in 2011, Story will earn $17.5 million in base salary this season.

The Colorado Rockies announced Monday that executive vice president and general manager Jeff Bridich was resigning, effective immediately, and Greg Feasel was being promoted to club president and CEO. 

The team's full statement follows:

Rockies General Manager Jeff Bridich steps down and Greg Feasel has been named Club President. pic.twitter.com/nk3HyHYBu8

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) April 26, 2021

Bridich released a statement of his own:

Departing #Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich has released a statement: pic.twitter.com/yyESJe8d8M

— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) April 26, 2021

Bridich, 43, was in his seventh season as the Rockies general manager. Under his watch, the Rockies reached the postseason twice and had just two winning seasons, and he came under serious heat this past season after trading away franchise cornerstone Nolan Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals in a deal that was widely panned around baseball given the Rockies' meager return. 

Here's how The Athletic's Jayson Stark described Bridich's reputation around baseball in February:

"We've been searching for just the right word to describe how the rest of baseball looks at the Rockies and their embattled general manager. But how about 'bewildered?' That seems to cover it. Here's one rival exec's all too typical take: 'Nothing personal, but I have no idea how Jeff has kept his job. When you piss off your best player, then you have to push him out the door because he's pissed off and then you also pay the team you're trading him to $50 million to take him, it's hard to think of anywhere else that wouldn't get you fired ... I don't get it."

It was this arrogance that made Bridich so reviled. My text messages when he stepped down were something. Never seen an executive inspire such dislike from so many across the board. #Denver7 #Rockies https://t.co/MqImI226Zg

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) April 26, 2021

1/Quick thoughts on Jeff Bridich stepping down as #Rockies GM. It is possible no executive in history fared worse in free agency than Bridich. The money spent to value was atrocious. 2 franchise icons: Tulowitzki/Arenado felt betrayed and left the franchise under bad terms.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) April 26, 2021

3/Yet, having offered that, the toughest place to sustain winning is in Colorado and trying to figure out how to play well and stay healthy in high altitude. No team should be spending more on sports science than this one and that is FAR from the case. The Athletic's piece

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) April 26, 2021

5/love with stars because the big contracts for Tulo/Arenado/Charlie Blackmon did not work well for the club. I have written previously that the Rockies should be the $140M Rays. That the philosophy of having a lot of 40-man talent to withstand the extra rigors of altitude

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) April 26, 2021

7/well. This all takes time and -- importantly -- a shift in thinking from the top down. Bridich did poorly. But Colorado's MLB worst record this year goes deeper than him. If only the GM is changing for the Rockies, nothing much will change.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) April 26, 2021

It's likely, however, that Bridich was in his last season with the team and knew it:

The wording of press release I believe was accurate. Bridich stepped down. Monfort would not have fired him during the season. But it tells me, in talking to sources, Bridich was lame duck. He knew it. And it's why he should have been fired the moment he picked fight w Arenado. https://t.co/UuHUaQo9gp

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) April 26, 2021

Given the limited success the Rockies had under Bridich's watch, the Arenado trade and the team's 8-13 start to this season, it's unlikely many Rockies fans are viewing Monday as a sad day. Bridich had likely worn out his welcome in Colorado. 

The Colorado Rockies reportedly aren't expected to sign All-Star shortstop Trevor Story to a contract extension "anytime soon."

Jon Heyman of the MLB Network reported Tuesday the Rockies don't currently have the budget flexibility to make an offer to Story, who can become a free agent after the 2021 season.

The 28-year-old Texas native burst on to the scene with 27 home runs in just 97 appearances during his 2016 rookie season, and he really hasn't stopped slugging ever since.

Story has posted a .277/.343/.535 triple-slash line with 134 homers and 80 stolen bases in 603 regular-season games over the past five years. His 17.9 WAR over that time span ranks fifth among MLB shortstops, per FanGraphs.

He explained when spring training got underway last week that he's focused on the upcoming season, not his contract situation.

"I'm focused on personally being the best teammate I can be," Story told reporters. "I try not to look too far ahead. I'm trying to be where my feet are, which is right here in spring training with the Rockies."

He'll carry an even larger offensive burden for Colorado in 2021 after standout third baseman Nolan Arenado was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals during the offseason.

If the Rockies' financial outlook in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic doesn't improve by July and a lucrative, long-term extension isn't feasible, the question becomes whether the front office becomes aggressive in  trying to trade Story to a contender before he can hit the free-agent market.

Colorado was able to obtain four prospects and 27-year-old left-hander Austin Gomber, who posted a 1.86 ERA in 14 appearances (four starts) last season, for Arenado and could further bolster the depth in its system with a Story blockbuster before the July 31 deadline.

Whether the Rockies are still in playoff contention as that date moves closer will also be a factor. The team was 26-34 last year, finishing fourth in the NL West.

Story and Co. open the 2021 campaign April 1 against the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs discussed a third baseman swap featuring Nolan Arenado and Kris Bryant last offseason, but Colorado didn't make the move because of concerns about the financial commitment involved.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports and The Athletic provided the report Saturday:

"The clubs spoke at length, but sources said the Rockies were unwilling to take on any financial commitment beyond Bryant's remaining two years of club control, which at the time figured to be worth about $40 million in arbitration.

"The Cubs initially broached the idea of including outfielder Jason Heyward, who was owed $86 million over four years, to further defray the obligation to Arenado, who was still owed $225 million over seven. But the talks failed to progress, amounting to a what-might-have-been for the Cubs, particularly with Arenado now joining their biggest rival."

The Rockies traded Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals for left-handed pitcher Austin Gomber and four minor leaguers in infielers Elehuris Montero and Mateo Gil and right-handed pitchers Tony Locey and Jake Sommers.

Rosenthal provided some MLB executive takes on the swap.

"Rival executives remain baffled by the deal, in which the Rockies sent Arenado and $51 million to the Cardinals for left-hander Austin Gomber and four minor leaguers, only one of whom, infielder Elehuris Montero, was in Keith Law's top 15 for St. Louis entering the 2020 season."

Receiving Bryant in return likely would have netted the Rockies a greater value for trading one of the game's best players, even if Arenado had a down year at the dish in 2020 with a career-low .253 batting average and a .738 OPS.

Bryant had his own struggles with just four home runs, 11 RBI, a .206 batting average and .644 OPS.

However, he's entering his age-29 season, and his first five MLB campaigns included three All-Star appearances, a World Series title and a National League MVP award, so he's capable of far better than what he showed during the truncated 2020 season.

The two third basemen could be seeing a lot more of each other in 2021 if Bryant stays in Chicago, with Arenado a member of the NL Central.

The Cardinals should be the clear division favorites heading into the year. The Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers are the likely top two contenders to knock the Cards from that perch.

After dealing Nolan Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Colorado Rockies are hanging on to one of their other stars.  

ESPN's Buster Olney reported Wednesday that the team is "not willing to discuss" trades that include shortstop Trevor Story. 

Even Rockies owner Dick Monfort expressed sadness about the Arenado deal, but team leadership has stuck behind its desire to keep Story on the roster even though he will become a free agent at the end of the coming season. 

General manager Jeff Bridich told reporters Tuesday that the Rockies "certainly cherish" having Story on the roster, and he expects the shortstop to be with the team when the 2021 season opens. 

The looming free-agency period had raised questions about Story's future considering the team was open about its willingness to trade Arenado since he could opt out of his contract in 2022 or 2023. 

Story was upset by the team's decision to move Arenado.

"Nolan's one of my best friends, baseball aside, so this hurts," Story said, per Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. "He's the best third baseman in the game. I'm sad and a little frustrated to be honest. All I can do is focus on playing the best baseball I can for my teammates and the fans. They deserve it."

The two-time All-Star finished the pandemic-shortened season slashing .289/.355/.519 with 28 RBI and 11 home runs while leading the National League with 15 stolen bases and four triples. 

He is due $17.5 million in base salary in what is currently his final season under contract in Colorado.

Since moving the face of their franchise in Arenado, it's imperative that the Rockies hang on to the 28-year-old Story if they want to have any hopes of competing for the postseason in 2021. 

Colorado Rockies owner Dick Monfort told reporters on Tuesday that he understood fan frustration after the team traded superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Austin Gomber, minor league infielders Elehuris Montero and Mateo Gil and minor league pitchers Tony Locey and Jake Sommers.

But Monfort still believes the Rockies will be a competitive team without Arenado. 

"We have an extremely talented team," he said. "They are built to compete. It is time for them to take the next step."

General manager Jeff Bridich concurred.

"There are levels and variations of the rebuild process, but this certainly is not a total teardown and rebuild like certain teams have chosen to go," he said. "I think if that were the case that certain players would have already been traded."

One of those players might be star shortstop Trevor Story, who will hit free agency after the 2021 season. Trading Arenado and Story in one year might be a bridge too far for Rockies fans in severely depleting the team's offense, though Story might depart in a year regardless. 

Either way, Monfort believes the team's pitching is good enough to take the Rockies to the next level. Colorado (26-34) finished three games out of the last wild-card spot during an expanded postseason field.

"My biggest belief is we have built pitching and we have done it internally. We have a lot of talented pitchers," said Monfort, who has been part of the franchise for 24 years and has had sole control of the team since 2011. "... Jeff has done a good job of getting young arms and not having to go out onto the free-agency market. I think the pitching is really a core that we've never had in our history."

It's hard to imagine the Rockies being better, however, after losing a five-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glover in Arenado who hit at least 37 homers in five straight seasons between 2015-19 before 2020's pandemic-shortened campaign. His eight home runs in 48 games last year did represent something of a down year, putting him on pace to hit 27 homers in a 162-game season. 

I think Nolan Arenado no longer playing baseball for the Colorado Rockies is a signal of total organizational failure, one that smart people would analyze to ensure that it won’t happen again. I don’t get the sense that the owner and GM see it the same way.

— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) February 2, 2021

Best idea I've heard from rival evaluator on how the Rockies should've handled Nolan Arenado this winter: Give him the window to opt out immediately. No matter the response, they would've been in a better position to deal with his situation.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 31, 2021

When a 27-homer pace is seen as a down year, though, you're talking about a superstar player. 

But Arenado was being paid like one, due $199 million over the final six seasons of his current deal. Arenado added a seventh season to the deal in the trade and exchanged an opt-out clause for after the 2021 season to either one he could exercise following either the 2022 or 2023 campaign, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN).

"$50 MILLION DOLLARS?!" 🤯

The Rockies are sending the Cardinals more money in the Arenado trade than they have spent on any free agent in the last three years. pic.twitter.com/VvYnYy9mbZ

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 2, 2021

In the final deal, the Rockies will send $51 million to the Cardinals to pay down Arenado’s salary, per source. The majority of that will be due after Arenado’s two opt-out clauses have passed -- assuming he hasn’t opted out of his contract.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 2, 2021

"When I signed in Colorado, I signed it with the intent of being there for the rest of my career," Arenado told reporters. "It wasn't meant to be. The last few years have been tough."

But Arenado is hoping St. Louis will become his new baseball home for the long term.

"I plan on sticking around," he said. "That's my goal. I plan on staying here for a long time. I said that once in Colorado, but I truly mean it. I'm not worried about [opting out]."

The Rockies didn't risk the possibility of an opt-out. It's hard to imagine they'll be better off for it, at least this year, no matter how Monfort and Bridich try to spin the situation. 

Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story is sad to see his talented teammate go.  

"Nolan's one of my best friends, baseball aside, so this hurts," Story said of the trade that sent Nolan Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals, per Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. "He's the best third baseman in the game. I'm sad and a little frustrated to be honest. All I can do is focus on playing the best baseball I can for my teammates and the fans. They deserve it."

The trade was made official Monday with the Rockies sending Arenado and cash to offset part of his contract to the Cardinals for left-hander Austin Gomber, minor league infielders Elehuris Montero and Mateo Gil, and minor league pitchers Tony Locey and Jake Sommers.

Even the Rockies' Twitter account seemed sad about the move:

The deal is done. 😢

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) February 2, 2021

That Story is frustrated is all the more notable because he is scheduled for free agency following the 2021 campaign.

With Arenado gone, the 28-year-old figures to be the next franchise cornerstone, but that will only be the case if the Rockies re-sign him. They certainly acted like sellers by moving one of the best players in the entire league in Arenado, so it is fair to at least wonder if they will do so.

Story slashed .289/.355/.519 with 11 home runs and 28 RBI during the shortened 2020 campaign and hit 35 long balls in 2019 after posting 37 home runs and 108 RBI in 2018. He is a two-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger and will now be the most important player in Colorado's lineup.

Arenado can say the same about his role in the Cardinals' lineup.

The 29-year-old is a five-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger and eight-time Gold Glover who led the league in home runs in 2015, 2016 and 2018 while leading the league in RBI in 2015 and 2016.

He gives the Cardinals a dynamic power bat and steady glove at the hot corner and should make them the favorite in a National League Central that hasn't exactly added many other notable pieces elsewhere.

Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers fans likely share Story's frustration with this trade.

The Atlanta Braves have reportedly "checked in" with the Colorado Rockies about a potential blockbuster trade for third baseman Nolan Arenado.

Jon Heyman of the MLB Network reported Friday that the Braves are a "long shot" in the Arenado sweepstakes after Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic noted Thursday the St. Louis Cardinals are in active discussions with the Rockies about the five-time All-Star.

Atlanta general manager Alex Anthopoulos is under pressure to bolster the club's lineup after outfielders Marcell Ozuna and Adam Duvall, who combined to hit 34 home runs during the coronavirus-shortened 2020 season, both entered free agency.

Ozuna, who finished sixth in National League MVP voting last year, is still available, but the Braves may be hesitant to invest heavily in him with MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association so far unable to agree on whether the NL will keep the designated hitter in 2021 and beyond.

The team did improve its starting rotation with the additions of Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly, but that power-hitting void must be filled to remain atop the highly competitive NL East for a third straight season.

Atlanta watched as the rival New York Mets (Francisco Lindor, James McCann, Carlos Carrasco and Trevor May) and Washington Nationals (Josh Bell, Kyle Schwarber, Jon Lester and Brad Hand) made significant improvements to their rosters during the offseason.

While the Philadelphia Phillies haven't made that same type of splash, they've worked to overhaul their bullpen, a major weakness in 2020, with the acquisitions of Archie Bradley, Jose Alvarado and Sam Coonrod.

A trade for Arenado would be the type of move that would solidify the Braves as the team to beat in the division once again in 2021. He would take over at third base with Austin Riley moving to left field, a major upgrade over current projected starter Ender Inciarte in the corner outfield.

The question isn't the fit but the financial aspect, with the eight-time Gold Glove Award winner set to make $35 million next season as part of his eight-year, $260 million contract. The deal runs through 2026, but he can opt out to become a free agent after 2021.

Given the Braves non-tendered Duvall because of concerns he could receive up to $7.1 million in arbitration, finding a way to make $35 million fit within their salary structure could be difficult; Heyman noted the Rockies don't want to absorb much of that money in order to trade him.

So it's easy to see why Atlanta is labeled as a long shot amid the talks, but there's little doubt he's exactly the type of player the club needs with its NL East rivals preparing to make a serious run.

Nolan Arenado may be on his way out of Colorado.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported Thursday that the St. Louis Cardinals are "in discussions with the Rockies" about the third baseman, though "no deal appears close." 

The 29-year-old is entering his ninth year in the league, but he is doing so off his worst season since his rookie campaign in 2013. Still, he spent almost the entirety of the year playing through a shoulder injury sustained in his fifth game.  

MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported earlier Thursday that the Rockies were open to offers for Arenado. 

The eight-time Gold Glove winner followed up his fifth consecutive All-Star campaign by hitting .253/.303/.434 in the pandemic-shortened season. In 2019, he posted a career-high .315 batting average with 118 RBI and 41 home runs, one shy of his career high. 

Ahead of that 2019 campaign, Arenado inked the largest deal in Rockies history when he signed an eight-year, $260 million extension, but shortly after doing so he became disgruntled with general manager Jeff Bridich. According to Rosenthal, Arenado became frustrated throughout the 2019 season, and after public feuding, said his GM was "very disrespectful." 

The Cardinals had veteran Matt Carpenter and Tommy Edman split time at third base in 2020, though Arenado would certainly be an offensive upgrade over either. Edman hit .250 with 26 RBI through 55 games last season, his second in the majors, while the 35-year-old Carpenter slashed a dismal .186/.325/.314 in 50 appearances. 

While Nolan Arenado is widely expected to stay in Colorado, multiple teams have reportedly considered pulling off a complicated three-way trade for the third baseman.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported Monday that "several" teams have considered being a "way station" for Arenado.

"Here's how it would work: The team would take a player it believes has an onerous contract and deal him to the Rockies for Arenado. The team that acquires Arenado then would flip him—and cash from what it saved by ridding itself of the bad deal—to a third team for prospects," Passan wrote. 

Arenado has six years and $199 million remaining on his contract, making him nearly impossible to trade during an offseason where teams have been penny-pinching amid the COVID-19 pandemic. His surprising regression in 2020 also plays a factor in teams being unwilling to pay more than $33 million per year for a distressed asset.

The overwhelming odds are that Arenado returns to form in 2021. His 48-game sample last season amounts to an extended slump, which could have easily been course-corrected over a typical campaign. He doesn't turn 30 until April and is coming off an eighth-straight Gold Glove. He's still really good, even in non-MVP-caliber seasons.

The Rockies remain interested in moving Arenado in large part because they have no immediate avenue to contention and will likely struggle to compete in the NL West for at least a couple seasons. Paying Arenado limits their flexibility elsewhere on the roster, and they might benefit from shoring up their farm system if a team decides to go all in.