Rockies Could Move Morneau If Cuddyer Takes Qualifying Offer

Michael Cuddyer’s decision on his $15.3 million qualifying offer could open the door for the Colorado Rockies to make a series of trades, beginning with All-Star 1B Justin Morneau

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Should Michael Cuddyer do what 99 percent of us would do in accepting a $15.3 million qualifying offer and accept it, the Colorado Rockies will likely look at trade options involving 1B Justin Morenau.

The open market could net Cuddyer a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $22 million, yet accepting the offer still will assure the 2013 National League batting champion a nifty payday for a player who will be 36 years old shortly before next Opening Day. Either way, Cuddyer will receive a significant raise from last year’s $10.5 million.

However, Cuddyer’s decision to stay with the Rockies would set the stage to move Morneau — who won this year’s NL batting crown — for much needed help in the starting rotation.

Morneau is slated to make a very friendly $6.75 million next season, which would make him an ideal target for a team in search of a productive left-handed bat and a strong locker room presence. A trade of Morenau would also be beneficial for Cuddyer, who would move from the outfield to become the team’s full-time first baseman.

The Rockies could also consider moving C Willin Rosario, who is eligible for salary arbitration for the first time. Rosario hit .267-13-54 in 106 games last season and would be best suited for an American League team, which would use him as a designated hitter.

At the end of the day, the Rockies still have yet to embrace the prospects of moving one of its injury-plagued cornerstones, OF Carlos Gonzalez and/or SS Troy Tulowitzki.

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