MLB Trade Deadline 2017: 5 best spots for Zack Cozart

3. Colorado Rockies

The Rockies have faded a bit lately, with an eight game losing streak heading into the final day of June, but they are still a playoff contender. 2016 early season sensation Trevor Story has shown signs of life as June ends, but outside of 11 home runs he has struggled at the plate so far this year.

Making a trade for Cozart does not mean the Rockies are throwing in the towel on Story as a future mainstay, and they should not do so. But something has to give at some point, if they want to say afloat in the playoff race, and unless Story really warms up in July it will be hard for manager Bud Black to put him in the lineup every day.

Cozart is obviously no stranger to hitter-friendly home parks, having spent his career at Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark. Coors Field would probably even boost his power numbers, and it’s not surprising Cozart has a .316/.371/.491 slash-line over 63 career plate appearance in the Mile High City.

Pitching is probably a greater need for Colorado right now, as it perpetually is regardless of where they are in the standings. But Cozart looks like a clear upgrade over Story right now, as the Rockies try to inject some life into a lineup that has struggled during a June losing streak.