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MLB Rumors: Rockies 'Will Trade' All-Star Elias Díaz But Won't Trade Ryan McMahon

Scott Polacek

Teams in need of catching help should take note because there is an All-Star reportedly available for the right price.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Sunday the struggling Colorado Rockies "will trade" catcher Elias Díaz this year. However, Nightingale also noted the team "will not" move infielder Ryan McMahon ahead of the July 30 deadline.

The strategy is not particularly surprising considering Díaz is 33 years old and in the final season of his contract, while McMahon is 29 and signed through the 2027 season.

Colorado is 25-45 and in last place in the National League West, but McMahon is someone who can help it in future seasons when it is potentially contending for playoff spots. He is slashing .265/.346/.462 with 12 home runs and 37 RBI this season, and Nightengale suggested he "should make the All-Star team this year."

As for Díaz, he made his first career All-Star Game last season and has once again been excellent this year with a .303/.352/.439 slash line, five home runs and 28 RBI in 55 games.

He provides important offense from the catching position and would be a significant boost for any contender that needs an impact player behind the plate.

Any team trading for Díaz would likely be doing so for his offense, but he has also played much better defense than usual this year. He is responsible for minus-45 defensive runs saved above average in his career, but that number is a solid plus-two this season, per FanGraphs.

From the Rockies' perspective, trading him this year would allow them to get something in return before he would have potentially left in free agency during the upcoming offseason. McMahon can contribute for years to come, so the focus ahead of the trade deadline will be on the catcher.

   

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