The outfield market has been incredibly stagnant ever since the Chicago Cubs signed Jason Heyward nearly a month ago. The San Francisco Giants signed Denard Span to a three-year deal last week, but that was it until today.
Gerardo Parra has reportedly signed a three-year deal with the Rockies worth $27.5 million (and a fourth year team option at $12 million, $1.5 million buyout). That’s not much behind the three years and $31 million Span received. Although Span is the superior player when healthy, he’s got health questions that Parra does not. Parra is just 28, though, and can probably provide at least a league-average bat while playing good or better defense all over the outfield (assuming last year’s metrics were an aberration). He’s a nice player to have.
On the Rockies? Eh, I’d think Parra would be a better fit on a playoff contender with three nominal starting outfielders, and he could be an elite fourth outfielder who finds his way into 100+ games over the course of the season.
[adinserter block=”1″]To that point:Â The deal is very interesting given that the Rockies, at present, already have a clear starting outfield trio of Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon, and Corey Dickerson. Does the Parra signing mean an outfielder will soon be dealt? Rumors about Rockies outfielders have swirled for a while. Are the Rockies instead planning some kind of rotation? Maybe. But that doesn’t look like the kind of contract a non-contender gives a guy to not start.
So, then, I can’t help but wonder if we’re about to see the Rockies deal an outfielder for pitching.
I also can’t help but wonder when the Dexter Fowler rumors will get serious. Sure, Parra was not tied to draft pick compensation, but I have a hard time believing Parra can get a three-year deal near $30 million and Fowler can’t do much better than that.
Also, since they happened in such quick succession, I should note here: Wei-Yin Chen has also signed. Not with the Rockies, but the Marlins.