Kyle Schwarber‘s 2017 season was underwhelming to say the least. The 23-year-old went from World Series folk hero to playing in the minor leagues, all while still finding a way to hit 30 big-league homers this season.
Outside of the home runs, Schwarber was a mess at the plate, going through stretches where it was hard to remember how good he was as a rookie in 2015. His power stroke was still there, but things got so bad fans were cheering his doubles more than his home runs.
However, despite Schwarber not replicating the success we saw in the 2016 postseason, he was looking more like himself once he returned from Triple A Iowa. Slashing .255/.338/.565 with 18 home runs and a wRC+ of 131, Schwarber’s second half line was incredibly close to his numbers in 2015.
The potential is still there for Schwarber, but many believe he is destined to end up in the American League. With the option of DH available to him everyday, it would allow Schwarber to be included more consistently in the line.
The Cubs have made it clear that they are open to moving some of the MLB talent on the roster right now, which includes Schwarber. Many teams like the Red Sox and Orioles have been rumored as potential trade partners with the Cubs. But one team nobody is talking about that could definitely use Schwarber’s talents is the Colorado Rockies.
Why Colorado Should Consider Trading For Schwarber
A source told Sports Mockery earlier this week that the Rockies were interesting in adding a 1st baseman to the lineup. With Mark Reynolds becoming an unrestricted free agent and Ian Desmond likely staying in the outfield, Colorado needs help at 1B.
And while Schwarber has certainly had his struggles in left field, a move to 1st base might actually be a good fit for him. Most people like to think of Schwarber as a bumbling idiot in the field, but many forget this guy played linebacker in high school. He even received a few Div I offers to play football.
Schwarber is an athlete, and has shown he has the ability to play the outfield at an average level. His quick feet and prior experience as a catcher make me think the transition to 1st might not be as hard as some might make it out to be.
Now, neither the Rockies or the Cubs have hinted at a deal being made between each other at the moment. But both sides have something the other would appreciate. And for the Cubs, its the Rockies’ slew of talented arms.
What’s In It For The Cubs?
It’s no secret, the Cubs have a depleted farm system that lacks elite arms. While they need pitching for this season, the Cubs have yet to develop any elite pitching during Theo Epstein’s tenure on the North Side.
A deal with Colorado could finally provide the Cubs with the young, controllable talent they have been searching for the last few years. Of course, the Cubs would love to acquire someone like Jon Gray from the Rockies, who was easily the staff’s best arm.
However, that’s rather unlikely with Gray entering his age 27 season with four more years of team control. Plus, the Rockies were a playoff team in 2017, and would need an incredible haul to trade their ace. But, the Rockies do have some excellent options in their farm system, starting with RHP Riley Pint.
The 20-year-old 1st round pick struggled some in his first season in the Rockies system. Posting a 5.42 ERA with a 7.65 K/9 in 93 innings last season, but is still ranked as the Rockies No. 2 overall prospect, per MLB Pipeline.
And just watching Pint throw, it’s easy to see why the was a top 5 pick in the 2016 draft.
That’s a 70 grade fastball that consistently flirts with 97-99 mph, and when paired with his hard-tilting slider that he slows down to 82 mph, Pint is worthy of the excitement. Of course, the Rockies would likely like to retain Pint as well, but there are a few other minor league options.
Names like Jeff Hoffman or Kyle Freeland would also interest the Cubs, particularly Hoffman who the Cubs considered drafted instead of Schwarber in 2014.
Will this deal actually happen, likely not since neither team have shown an interest in each other. But does it make sense, on paper it’s hard not to see the benefits for both clubs with this trade. And while, personally, it would kill me to see Schwarber hit 45+ home runs in the thin Denver air, watching Riley Pint toss 100 mph in a Cubs uni eases that pain.
