MLB trade rumors: Each team’s best trade chip

Colorado Rockies: Raimel Tapia

The Rockies have one of the most complete teams in the National League, and 2017 may be the year to go all in on contending for the World Series. The NL is very top heavy and several expected contenders in the NL Central and East are struggling. Of the top five teams in the league, the Rockies may have the most dangerous lineup top to bottom.

If the Rockies are going to make a deal, it may be for another stud reliever to complement Greg Holland, Jake McGee, and Adam Ottavino. If Ottavino’s shoulder injury proves more serious than initially expected, the Rockies will have to take a long, hard look at the reliever market.

Colorado is never short on elite offensive talent in the minor leagues, and this year is no different. Their number-three prospect, Raimel Tapia made his debut last season and has batted over .350 at Triple-A so far this year. The only problem is that there is no spot for him in the Coors Field outfield.

Tapia is a gifted hitter who makes consistent, hard contact. He will be a .300 hitter in the big leagues at some point. The only question is with which team. His path to a full-time MLB job could be blocked long-term in Colorado with David Dahl also holding a place in the plan when he recovers from injury. The Rockies could be set in the outfield next year with Ian Desmond, Dahl, and Charlie Blackmon, leaving Tapia the odd man out. He may present the most value to the organization as a chip to land an elite reliever.