Why Rockies have 'crown jewel' of trade deadline with Yankees, Red Sox interest

Jul 16, 2026 - 15:05

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Why Rockies have 'crown jewel' of trade deadline with Yankees, Red Sox interest originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Colorado Rockies are guaranteed to be sellers at the upcoming trade deadline.

But will they make their All-Star catcher available?

Hunter Goodman is a top-five hitting backstop in the Majors, and it can be argued he's only going to get better.

The right-handed hitter had 27 home runs at the break, and that's a significant reason why he could be an attractive trade target for contending clubs like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

"If the Rockies are willing to move Goodman with three years of arbitration eligibility remaining, he might be the crown jewel of this year's trade deadline," wrote Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller. "If not, there's nothing worth getting excited about here."

The Rockies may opt to hold on to Goodman, hoping he's a key piece of the puzzle to their turnaround.

If Colorado's front office does not feel it has what it takes to build a contender over the next few years, trading Goodman may be what's best for the organization.

One contender that needs a catcher more than any other club in the Majors is the Yankees.

They have a few pitching prospects that could entice the Rockies, like Elmer Rodriguez and Ben Hess.

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For three years of Goodman, the price will be higher than, let's say, Ryan Jeffers from the Minnesota Twins, who is a free agent at the end of the season.

If the Rockies keep Goodman, expect teams who need a catcher to pivot to Tyler Stephenson of the Cincinnati Reds.

Baltimore Orioles fan favorite Adley Rutschman is another possibility, but the odds of a trade feel slim.