Detroit Tigers: Three Mike Pelfrey Trade Ideas

Colorado Rockies

Possible Trade: Pelfrey, Tyler Collins and a minor pitching prospect for relievers Jason Motte and Chad Qualls.

The Colorado Rockies need starting pitching. Right now, the team’s rotation consists of Chad Bettis, Jon Gray, Eddie Butler, Tyler Anderson and Jorge De la Rosa. Gray has a solid 3.52 FIP, and Anderson has looked promising in two starts, but that’s been about it. Bettis, Butler and De La Rosa sport respective ERAs of 5.44, 6.26 and 7.17.

That simply isn’t going to cut it in a Major League rotation.

While Mike Pelfrey has allowed runners to reach base rather frequently, he has avoided further damage with some well-timed double plays. Pitching at Coors Field isn’t easy, but perhaps his ability to induce ground outs would play well in Colorado.

Collins would add some youth to a Rockies outfield that currently relies on Charlie Blackmon, Carlos Gonzalez, Brandon Barnes and Ryan Raburn. All four are hovering around, or past the age of 30. Additionally, the team could use another outfield bat with Gerardo Parra –another veteran option on a rebuilding team—on the disabled list.

Collins once showed the potential to (in the right scenario) hit .270 with 15-20 home runs and 70 RBI in a season. He could realize that potential in Colorado.

The Rockies are also thin on pitching prospect, so perhaps sending a pitcher like Kevin Ziomek or Myles Jaye to Colorado would make things work.

In return, Detroit would receive two useful bullpen pieces in Chad Qualls and Jason Motte. Both have solid track records and would add depth to the Tigers’ relief corps.

Qualls has pitched to a 4.64 ERA in 21.1 innings with only 10 strikeouts, but he’s succeeded in the past with low strikeout numbers. Getting away from Coors Field, where the reliever owns a 6.75 ERA this season, will obviously help his numbers.

Meanwhile, Motte has pitched to a 1.80 ERA in 10 innings for Colorado this year. After a down season in 2014, the reliever has posted a 3.55 ERA and a 3.58 FIP in 58.1 innings since. He’d be a quality seventh inning option for Brad Ausmus.

Per Spotrac, Qualls and Motte will make a combined $7.25 million this year, and eight million next season. Neither team would be taking on significant salary in the deal, plus Detroit would improve its bullpen depth.