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Rockies should have traded All-Star catchers and not released them

On Friday, the Colorado Rockies decided to release 2023 All-Star Game MVP catcher Elias Díaz. After catcher Drew Romo moved up to the major leagues, the Rockies decided it would be best to release Díaz. This gives him a chance to play for a contender. While this move by Colorado is honorable, it was also a little pointless. There's no doubt that many teams would have paid a decent package to get the All-Star catcher. Why didn't the Rockies trade the 33-year-old catcher at the MLB transfer deadline on July 30? It seems a little silly to release one of the best defensive players this season and a guy who has been in the lineup for the past few years. Now, as a free agent, Diaz could have the opportunity to actually play for a winning ballclub and advance deep into the postseason.

The Rockies should have traded Elias Díaz instead of releasing him

While it may be too late for the first pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, the Rockies have been the worst team in the National League for the past two seasons. However, the team has only begun rebuilding this season as it looks to rejuvenate and acquire valuable young players. Colorado has released players like Díaz, Elehuris Montero, and Dakota Hudson, and it's reasonable to assume that the Rockies will find a way to part ways with Kris Bryant by the end of the season. The Rockies should have traded Díaz in exchange for some younger young players. They should have gotten some value back in exchange for the 2023 All-Star Game MVP. Ultimately, this would have helped the franchise in the long run. It's never a bad thing when your team has too much talent.

The Rockies' success will depend on the actions they take now. If they take smart, precise actions, they can build a better future. Only time will tell if this was the right decision. Still, the team should have done something over the last month instead of doing nothing. It will be interesting to see where Díaz ends up for the rest of the 2024 season and if Romo can be the catcher the Rockies need for a sustainable future.

Díaz's 2024 regular season statistics

Díaz played 84 games with the Rockies this season. In 304 at-bats, he recorded 82 hits, five home runs and 36 runs batted in. His slash line was .270/.315/.378. During his five seasons in Colorado, the 33-year-old catcher never made the postseason. In fact, Díaz never played in the postseason during his 10-year career. That could change this season if he chooses the right franchise. In his last game in a Rockies uniform, he recorded zero hits in four at-bats in a 4-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. It's a disappointing end for Díaz in Colorado. Still, the team should have traded him over a month ago.

Photo credit: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

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