Colorado Rockies unlikely to pursue catching help

DENVER – The Colorado Rockies, despite carrying just four position players on their bench, are now into their second month with three catchers.

Veteran Chris Iannetta is the steady hand. He knows how to work an at-bat and a game. He has the experience and savvy to serve as a guiding force for young rotation. Even though his surface numbers have never been off the charts, he has been consistent for years.

Tony Wolters’ value shows up even less through numbers, relying on a unique mix of athleticism behind the plate and a knack for coming through in clutch moments despite his otherwise quiet bat. He has shown his worth in framing, taking runners off the basepaths, and in a particular affinity to work with some of the young pitchers he has known throughout their careers, even in the minors.

Tom Murphy brings the pop. Yes, he has hit just one home run so far this season, but it was a game-winner. Murphy has by far the highest-ceiling bat of any of the three but is also still working on catching up to the other two behind the dish.

Largely because of Wolters’ ability to play the infield in an emergency and Iannetta’s propensity to put together a solid pinch-hit appearance—not to mention the ability for Ian Desmond to move around the diamond—the Rockies odd structure hasn’t come back to bite them yet.

With Friday’s announcement that Raimel Tapia (and not either Wolters or Murphy) will be sent back to Triple-A to make room for the returning German Marquez, Colorado appears to be doubling down on this philosophy.

Such a move might seem like a head-scratcher because, as we mentioned, none of the three catchers are putting up fantastic numbers.

This has led many to wonder if Colorado might consider consolidating and/or making a move for a catcher who can bring more value while taking up just one roster spot.

But, in a meeting with the media before Friday night’s contest with the Oakland A’s, GM Jeff Bridich says that such a move is unlikely.

“I feel like we’ve got a good threesome right now that can take us where we need to go,” he said. “In fact, we’re getting more questions from teams asking if we would trade them catching than us reaching out to anybody so that tells you the state of catching around the game.”

As enticing as a player like J.T. Realmuto may be, Bridich is right in that very few backstops across the league are outpacing his own, especially when you combine their abilities. Realmuto may be the only guy who is a clear upgrade and the prices can run high in a market of one.

“We’re not going to stop having conversations about how to improve our team and our depth,” he added, always noting that nothing is ever completely off the table. But he also warned against making blockbuster trades, especially if you’re doing so because others in your division are doing so.

“Reactionary moves can be a very risky proposition to adhere to,” he says.

As it stands, the team is once again giving the utmost faith and confidence to the guys they’ve got.

“It’s a great triumvirate to have as we move through the dog days of the schedule,” Bridich concluded.