Colorado Rockies reportedly interested in acquiring Cincinnati Reds reliever Sean Marshall

The Colorado Rockies are always in the market for better pitching, and this off-season is no different. Earlier in the day, we brought you word that a potential trade for Oakland’s Brett Anderson is in the works, and now, there is a report circulating that Colorado could be pursuing a bullpen upgrade.

As reported by Troy Rench of the Denver Post, the Rockies are interesting in the services of Sean Marshall. It’s unclear whether they would use Marshall or Rex Brothers (or another option) in the closer role if this deal went down, but in a vacuum, Marshall is a solid upgrade over virtually anyone else in their bullpen.

The 31-year-old lefty missed much of the 2013 season with injury concerns, but he’s been lights-out for the past four years in total. With the Cubs and Reds, Marshall has posted three straight years (if you ignore 2013’s 10-inning showing) with an ERA under 3.00, and his strikeout potential has shown through with more than a strikeout per inning. In fact, Marshall has been worth 1.5+ fWAR over each of those campaigns, and there is an argument for him (if healthy) as one of the best relievers in the NL.

It’s clear from Renck’s report that a deal isn’t imminent, but if Colorado can pull off this move without giving up any serious assets, it could be a major coup for that front office. However, the biggest wrinkle is that Marshall is owed $12 million over the next 2 seasons, and he must be healthy (and quite effective) in order to “earn” those figures. Stay tuned.