MLB Hot Stove: Matt Holliday would 'definitely consider' a return to the Rockies
Holliday played in Colorado from 2004-08
By
Mike Axisa
•
2 min read
Twelve years ago Matt Holliday started his career with the Rockies. Could he end his career in Colorado as well? He's not ruling it out.
According to Troy Renck of KMGH-TV 7, Holliday would "definitely consider" a return to the Rockies, even if it means playing first base full-time.
"I don't have any idea of what my market will be but if they were competitive with their offer I'd definitely consider it," Holliday said.
Holliday, who turns 37 in January, played with the Rockies from 2004-08 -- and was runner-up in NL MVP voting in 2007 -- before being traded away one year before free agency. He was traded to the Athletics, then to the Cardinals, before re-signing with St. Louis as a free agent during 2009-10 offseason. The Cardinals declined his $17 million option earlier this offseason.
Although he has spent almost his entire career as a left fielder, Holliday did play 10 games at first base in 2016, and at this point of his career, that seems to be his best position. His outfield defense has eroded with age, and keeping Holliday at first base might help keep him healthier and more productive deep into the season.
Also, the Rockies have a full outfield. Carlos Gonzalez, who was acquired in the trade that sent Holliday to the A's, joins Charlie Blackmon and David Dahl in the club's regular outfield. Gerardo Parra is also on the roster. Parra was the team's regular first baseman for the final few weeks of 2016, if you can believe that.
For what it's worth, Rockies GM Jeff Bridich did not rule out signing Holliday, though the team is planning to consider all options before moving to acquire a new first baseman. From MLB.com's Daniel Kramer:
"It's certainly something that's part of the consideration process, but there's so much more to it," general manager Jeff Bridich said earlier this week. "It's supply and demand and what's out there through trade, potentially. I don't want to limit ourselves by saying we must have a right-handed first baseman or we must have a left-handed one. We'll keep an open mind, and the goal is to add the best player we possibly can to the lineup."
The free-agent class is weak overall, though there are some big first base bats available. Edwin Encarnacion and Mark Trumbo, two guys who fit best at DH, are the biggest names, though there's also Mike Napoli, Brandon Moss and Mitch Moreland. The Rockies have some options to sort through.
Holliday put up a .246/.322/.461 (107 OPS+) batting line with 20 home runs in 110 games for the Cardinals this past season. He missed a big chunk of time after an errant pitch broke his thumb. Holliday hit .319/.386/.552 (131 OPS+) in five seasons with Colorado, though that was a very long time ago.
