Paging Max Kepler: Rockies Looking To Acquire Left-Handed Outfielder

[Brock Beauchamp]

Thomas Harding of MLB.com reported today the Rockies are interested in acquiring a lefty-hitting outfielder, preferably one who can play all three outfield positions.

Max Kepler hasn't played center field in a few years - and reportedly doesn't like playing the position - but is widely considered capable of being a spot starter up the middle. With only one year remaining on his contract, he's a relatively low-cost addition that could shore up the Rockies' lineup while also covering enormous ground in the spacious Coors Field grass.

Additionally, the Twins also have Trevor Larnach waiting in the wings and now at 26 years old, he needs a chance to play on a consistent basis. Should the Rockies balk at Kepler's salary or prospect cost, the Twins could consider moving Larnach in his place.

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[nicksaviking]

I'm fine moving Kepler, but the Rockies have absolutely nothing on their active roster that I want on the Twins roster save for Nolan Jones, who happens to be another left handed outfielder, so I'm guessing that wouldn't make sense for the Rockies.

Perusing their prospect list, which isn't the area I'm looking at improving, their top 3 pitching prospects are all at A ball or lower and combined have 4 innings of professionally pitched baseball. Their next best prospect pitcher has a 5.41 career MiLB ERA.

I don't expect to get much for Kepler all by himself, but anything they do get, I want to be a positive addition to the team.

Side note, man, doing this five minute exercise made me feel even worse for Rockie fans. There doesn't appear to be any light at the end of the tunnel.

[jmlease1]

It's a reasonable fit, but much like Polanco I'd hate to see Kepler moved in a salary dump. As part of a package to improve the rotation? More interested, but a little concerned that we're actually a little thin in the corners right now and would be asking a lot out of Larnach, who hasn't shown he can perform consistently (i.e., hit a curveball) in the majors.

[RpR]

27 minutes ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

Thomas Harding of MLB.com reported today the Rockies are interested in acquiring a lefty-hitting outfielder, preferably one who can play all three outfield positions.

Max Kepler hasn't played center field in a few years - and reportedly doesn't like playing the position - but is widely considered capable of being a spot starter up the middle. With only one year remaining on his contract, he's a relatively low-cost addition that could shore up the Rockies' lineup while also covering enormous ground in the spacious Coors Field grass.

Additionally, the Twins also have Trevor Larnach waiting in the wings and now at 26 years old, he needs a chance to play on a consistent basis. Should the Rockies balk at Kepler's salary or prospect cost, the Twins could consider moving Larnach in his place.

 

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Send Wallner.

[Brock Beauchamp]

4 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I'm fine moving Kepler, but the Rockies have absolutely nothing on their active roster that I want on the Twins roster save for Nolan Jones, who happens to be another left handed outfielder, so I'm guessing that wouldn't make sense for the Rockies.

Perusing their prospect list, which isn't the area I'm looking at improving, their top 3 pitching prospects are all at A ball or lower and combined have 4 innings of professionally pitched baseball. Their next best prospect pitcher has a 5.41 career MiLB ERA.

I don't expect to get much for Kepler all by himself, but anything they do get, I want to be a positive addition to the team.

Side note, man, doing this five minute exercise made me feel even worse for Rockie fans. There doesn't appear to be any light at the end of the tunnel.

There is no organization I'd rather pluck a pitcher out of than the Rockies. They have no ****ing clue what they're doing, I'd happily take an A-ball guy the Twins like for a payoff in 2027.

[chpettit19]

18 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I'm fine moving Kepler, but the Rockies have absolutely nothing on their active roster that I want on the Twins roster save for Nolan Jones, who happens to be another left handed outfielder, so I'm guessing that wouldn't make sense for the Rockies.

Perusing their prospect list, which isn't the area I'm looking at improving, their top 3 pitching prospects are all at A ball or lower and combined have 4 innings of professionally pitched baseball. Their next best prospect pitcher has a 5.41 career MiLB ERA.

I don't expect to get much for Kepler all by himself, but anything they do get, I want to be a positive addition to the team.

Side note, man, doing this five minute exercise made me feel even worse for Rockie fans. There doesn't appear to be any light at the end of the tunnel.

I agree there's really nothing I'd want from the Rockies roster in return for Kepler, but to be fair to their pitching prospect list, Chase Dollander was just the 9th overall pick in the draft. I don't think they'd have any interest in trading him, but if that were the return for Kepler I'd be quite happy.

[DJL44]

Nick Gordon can play outfield and hits lefthanded.

[nicksaviking]

2 hours ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

There is no organization I'd rather pluck a pitcher out of than the Rockies. They have no ****ing clue what they're doing, I'd happily take an A-ball guy the Twins like for a payoff in 2027.

I'd take one if there are no other offers, but I'm not pulling the trigger until I'm sure I can't get a front end starter for Kepler + prospect(s).

 

[Brock Beauchamp]

1 minute ago, nicksaviking said:

I'd take one if there are no other offers, but I'm not pulling the trigger until I'm sure I can't get a front end starter for Kepler + prospect(s).

I get your reasoning and why, I'm just salivating at the thought of robbing the hapless Rockies.

[tony&rodney]

Chuckle a little bit every time I read a post where Brock sends off Kepler. Can your health take another year of Max? 

[Rod Carews Birthday]

It's not crazy, but it does make the outfield look like this:

RF Wallner. He'll be just fine.  I look forward to it.

LF Larnach, He could have some issues but he needs a chance to turn the corner (and not get hurt doing so).

CF Still a mess, but likely Castro/Martin/Gordon.  I think there is a workable situation in there.  It just doesn't look very traditional from a daily lineup perspective. 

Seems a little unstable, but for the right return and to free up money for a pitching acquisition, I could be talked into it.  Plus, as you said, being able to poach someone from the Rockies has some appeal.  

[tony&rodney]

9 minutes ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

LF Larnach, He could have some issues but he needs a chance to turn the corner (and not get hurt doing so).

Larnach seems like a guy who could be ok, but he has had a number of chances. Maybe he gets another shot and blossoms. I would argue that the Twins really need Kepler. If Kepler were to be traded, i would hand the job to Austin Martin or Willi Castro in hopes of better offense and defense than expected from Larnach.

[JD-TWINS]

12 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

I'd take one if there are no other offers, but I'm not pulling the trigger until I'm sure I can't get a front end starter for Kepler + prospect(s).

 

Front end starter …….for Kepler & a couple prospects is reasonable for Twins. Don’t think, as others here, that Colorado has any attractive piece?

Dangling this package to other teams works!

[mickster]

16 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Nick Gordon can play outfield and hits lefthanded.

Trade him for a PTBNL - done

[Shaitan]

The Rockies aren't adding payroll (ever).

[Schmoeman5]

On 1/8/2024 at 4:56 PM, RpR said:

Send Wallner.

NOT!

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, Shaitan said:

The Rockies aren't adding payroll (ever).

Ever? They had a 170M payroll last year.

I mean this club is awful and should be starting over, but spending money hasn't been an issue with them.

[Shaitan]

2 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Ever? They had a 170M payroll last year.

I mean this club is awful and should be starting over, but spending money hasn't been an issue with them.

It seems like we're in agreement. 😁

[Parfigliano]

3 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Ever? They had a 170M payroll last year.

I mean this club is awful and should be starting over, but spending money hasn't been an issue with them.

They spend money.  Problem is they waste money on bad players.

[nicksaviking]

10 hours ago, Parfigliano said:

They spend money.  Problem is they waste money on bad players.

Right, that's why I would dispute the notion that they never spend money.

[Rosterman]

Rockies don't want to add that much payroll on a one0year rental. Plus, they have little to offer in terms of usable pitching. Unless you ship them Gordon or larnach, but for...what.

[DJL44]

On 1/8/2024 at 4:54 PM, nicksaviking said:

I'm fine moving Kepler, but the Rockies have absolutely nothing on their active roster that I want on the Twins roster

How much of Kris Bryant's salary are they willing to pay down for him to play for the Twins? They owe $136M over the next 5 years but I doubt he would get 60% of that in free agency. 

[nicksaviking]

2 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

How much of Kris Bryant's salary are they willing to pay down for him to play for the Twins? They owe $136M over the next 5 years but I doubt he would get 60% of that in free agency. 

Oof, that's a terrible contract. But would we want him on the Twins even if they only had to pay him 10M per year? The fact that his power dried up in Colorado, the unlikeliest place for it to dry up, makes me think he's done.

[TopGunn#22]

The contract Bryant has means the Rockies are never going to be able to move him unless they pay $100 million of it.  On paper, Kris Bryant would be a good fit.  RH bat, LF and possibly some 1B in his future.  He IS talented.  He's just NEVER healthy and already having Buxton means it would never work for the Twins.  

Larnach is an obvious choice if there is ANYTHING not named Dollander the twins would have interest in.  Every day that goes by with E-Rod and Walker Jenkins showing promise and improvement, is a day that hastens any usefulness Larnach may have for the Twins.  I just don't think there's anything on the roster or in the mid to high minors in Colorado even worth Larnach.  I'll have to check on this a little more.  

[August J Gloop]

Larnach to CO, hits 50 bombs in coors, 2 on the road. 

[h2oface]

Some really want Kepler traded. Not me. Or Polanco. Amazing how Kepler is pitched as such a great value for other teams and for trading, but not a good value for the Twins. Keep Kepler. 

[specialiststeve]

Only thing I think of is one of there starters. Their numbers are terrible of course but going from Coors to Target would be - could be a huge difference.

I would be willing to add a lotto ticket for German Marquez who has 2 years at for 10 mil ave salary ... Coming back from TJ but would be a "Good" gamble. 

 

 

[Doctor Gast]

Stallings & Hudson were good adds to CO. Hudson has a pretty good GB% which plays well at Coors. If he dominates with a high fastball for lift-happy HR hitters, he could have a successful season in CO.

 A lot of CO players are underrated. All their pitchers could do better elsewhere. Catching prospects Romo & Carrigg are tremendously underrated, they both have great arms, are athletic, productive switch-hitters with the potential to become elite catchers. Romo will make it to the Majors this season but IMO Carrigg has the highest upside. It'd be nice if MN could nab one of them but how cheap they are why not go for both?

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 hour ago, Doctor Gast said:

Stallings & Hudson were good adds to CO. Hudson has a pretty good GB% which plays well at Coors. If he dominates with a high fastball for lift-happy HR hitters, he could have a successful season in CO.

 A lot of CO players are underrated. All their pitchers could do better elsewhere. Catching prospects Romo & Carrigg are tremendously underrated, they both have great arms, are athletic, productive switch-hitters with the potential to become elite catchers. Romo will make it to the Majors this season but IMO Carrigg has the highest upside. It'd be nice if MN could nab one of them but how cheap they are why not go for both?

Count me in the group that likes Carrigg

[Guest]

I've given so many thumbs up to opposing viewpoints that I am not sure what side I fall on. "Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope".