2026 Rockies Outfield Trade Targets: Fits and Market Value

This article takes a look at the Colorado Rockies’ outfield situation under Paul DePodesta, the new head of baseball operations. The focus here is on how limited roster moves and uneven player performances might affect the team’s ability to trade for controllable pitching.

With just a handful of veteran assets and several young outfielders at different stages, the Rockies have tough choices ahead. Who do you keep, who do you move, and when’s the right time to act?

Early Returns Under Paul DePodesta

It’s been two months since DePodesta took over, and the Rockies have played things pretty safe so far. The front office has mostly stuck with what they have, making only minor tweaks like grabbing reliever Brennan Bernardino and flipping Ryan Rolison for cash.

They haven’t made any splashy free-agent signings. DePodesta has dropped hints that the outfield could be used as trade bait, especially if Colorado wants to add controllable pitching. That’s a sensible target for a team that’s always chasing arms tough enough for Coors Field.

The challenge? The outfield is full of interesting young players, not proven vets, so there’s less obvious trade value and a lot of uncertainty.

Brenton Doyle: Upside vs. Inconsistency

Out of all the Rockies’ outfielders, Brenton Doyle probably has the most upside. He’s under team control for four more arbitration years, so he won’t come cheap—if he’s available at all.

Why Colorado Hesitates to Move Doyle

Doyle made some real strides in 2024, cutting strikeouts and hitting 23 home runs. But in 2025, his numbers dropped to .233/.274/.376 and the power faded a bit.

Even with that dip, other teams see the tools he brings. The Rockies don’t want to sell low on a premium defender with that kind of athleticism.

Mickey Moniak: A Career Year with Caveats

Mickey Moniak just put up the best offensive season of his career: 24 home runs and a .270/.306/.518 line. On paper, that looks like a breakout.

Coors Field Effect Clouds Trade Value

But if you look closer, it’s not so clear. Moniak’s numbers at Coors Field were way better than on the road, and that kind of split raises eyebrows.

His defensive stats also slipped, even though he’s got speed and an average arm. He’s under team control through 2027, with a projected $4.2MM salary in arbitration. Moniak could be on the move, but probably not for the pitcher Colorado really wants.

Tyler Freeman and Jordan Beck: Different Paths, Same Questions

Tyler Freeman is starting to show who he is as a player. He gets on base, makes contact, and has some speed, hitting .281/.354/.361 in Colorado.

He doesn’t offer much power, and the defensive numbers aren’t great, but he’s cheap, has a minor-league option left, and three years of control. That makes him a handy depth guy.

Jordan Beck’s Development Timeline

Jordan Beck took a step forward in his second year. He hit 16 home runs, stole 19 bases, and put up a .258/.317/.416 line. The tools are there.

But high strikeout rates and some late-season weariness make it feel like the Rockies want to wait and see, rather than trade him too soon.

Prospects: Trade Chips or Future Contributors?

Colorado’s also got some left-handed corner outfield prospects in Zac Veen and Yanquiel Fernández. Both have had trouble with upper-level pitching and look headed for Triple-A Albuquerque.

Sterlin Thompson Stands Out

Veen and Fernández both still have options left. They might benefit from a new team, so they could end up as trade pieces.

Sterlin Thompson, though, seems to be on his own path. After a strong Triple-A run with a .296/.392/.519 line, he looks like the young outfielder most likely to grab real playing time next season instead of getting shopped around.

 
Here is the source article for this story: The Rockies’ Outfield Trade Possibilities