Hunter Goodman is the top trade candidate from the Colorado Rockies.
Despite the two-time All-Star’s 31 home runs and .888 OPS, there is concern around MLB about his defense behind the plate.
Goodman does not grade as a strong defender at catcher. His pop time is below average, and his framing is not strong.
“Yet, interested clubs are resisting the Rockies’ early ask, according to people briefed on the discussions, in part because of their dissatisfaction with Goodman’s work behind the plate,” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon wrote.
Two teams that have a clear need at the catcher’s position are the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Will Goodman’s struggles with the glove stop their pursuit of the slugger?
“Another exec from a team in need of a catcher said Goodman’s defense was so concerning that his club did not even check with the Rockies about their price,” Rosenthal and Sammon added. “Still another said that his club would want a better defensive catcher to part with the prospect capital the Rockies will require.”
Rockies are in no rush to trade Goodman
The Rockies could be in no rush to trade Goodman. He has three years of club control after 2026. Still, this may be a concerning update in the event that the NL West organization decides to seriously consider offers.
“The Rockies, who rank last in the majors in ERA, do not consider Goodman responsible for their pitching woes, according to a person briefed on their thinking,” The Athletic duo added. “The bigger issue, they believe, is that their pitchers simply are not good enough.”
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Goodman’s defensive struggles should not fall on the shoulders of Colorado’s pitchers, but they could play a part.
Likely, the Rockies’ trade requests for Goodman’s services will be higher than what teams are willing to accept.
This could lead to the Yankees and Red Sox looking elsewhere for their next upgrade at catcher.