Report: Rockies outfielders Moniak, McCarthy drawing ‘strong interest’ in trade market

The Rockies have been mashing for a while now, and two of the biggest reasons why could be in the thick of trade discussions over the coming weeks.

Outfielders Jake McCarthy and Mickey Moniak, both of whom are posting the best numbers of their careers, are on the radar of the Houston Astros, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, who reported Sunday that the perennial contenders — who are still struggling and lagging below .500 — are “showing strong interest” in both of them.

Despite the Astros’ woeful start to the season, they sit just 2.5 games back of the American League West leaders, the Seattle Mariners, and only one game out of the final wild-card spot, held by the Texas Rangers, who are .500. Houston is a mere 45-47. But given the club’s track record of success — 10 consecutive winning seasons in non-pandemic years and nine postseason trips in the past 11 seasons — Houston is clearly in a buyer’s spot, appearing poised to pounce in a week AL.

Meanwhile, the Rockies’ recent surge hasn’t helped them escape the cellar of the NL West — or the entire league, for that matter. Since May 29, Colorado has played .500 ball, at 17-17.

McCarthy has increased his OPS from .737 to .865 in that span, while Moniak returned from the injured list late last month and after starting slowly, went on a tear during the Rockies’ recent homestand; his season-long OPS is at .931.

Moniak’s home/road splits could cause some concern; he has a 1.037 OPS at Coors Field and a .689 OPS away from it. McCarthy’s splits are noticeable, but not as extreme — .943 at home, .767 away. But McCarthy is hitting .292 on the road, so there’s still something there for him beyond 20th and Blake.

What’s more, McCarthy’s OPS this season is 158 points higher than the .707 mark he posted with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Moniak’s OPS in three seasons with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2022-24) was .709; it was .824 last year and is .931 this year.

But Colorado’s pitching is a mess, exacerbated by injuries. The organization desperately needs more arms at all levels. And despite the offensive explosion, the Rockies’ rebuild must be measured in years. That’s part of why McCarthy and Moniak’s names have arisen in recent weeks — and why ESPN even suggested that the New York Yankees could trade for All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman.

But the Rockies don’t have anything close to a potential comparable catcher to Goodman in their organization. They might have that in the outfield.

ROCKIES HAVE YOUNG OUTFIELD DEPTH APLENTY

One reason why both McCarthy and Moniak could be expendable is because the outfield is the one area in which the Rox have plenty of prospect depth — particularly at the high levels of the organization.

The Rockies already called up Cole Carrigg last month, and he’s been a success since stepping into an everyday role, posting a .286/;374/;566 line. Zac Veen and Charlie Condon continue to mash at AAA Albuquerque, with Condon named to play in next week’s Future Game.

Condon earned Pacific Coast League Player of the Week plaudits for his work from June 23-28, when he hit .417.

Troy Johnston has emerged as a quality corner-outfield option and is under team control through the 2031 season. A waiver claim from the Miam Marlins last November, the 29-year-old Johnston finally has made his minor-league success translate into big-league production, closing Sunday’s play with a .313 average and an .817 OPS, although he does have notable lefty-righty splits, with a .219 average and a .574 OPS against southpaws.

Meanwhile, the Rockies sent down Jordan Beck after he recovered from injury, while Brenton Doyle remains on the injured list after ending his rehab assignment Sunday. He landed on the IL on May 21 because of an oblique contusion.

The Rockies have options in the outfield, and those might ensure that despite the play of McCarthy and Moniak, they may not be on the team at this time next month — and could provide their greatest long-term worth in what they can bring via trade.