Rockies beat Cardinals 8-4 on July 23, but the real story is the trade block. With Seth Halvorsen & Ryan McMahon available, is a franchise rebuild here?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For the first time in a long time, the biggest news surrounding the Colorado Rockies isn't the final score, though a series win over the Cardinals is a rare treat. The real story is a seismic shift in philosophy from the front office. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Rockies have hung a giant 'For Sale' sign, signaling a willingness to deal key veterans and high-powered arms in a move that could reshape the franchise's future.
With a blistering 100.2 mph average fastball, reliever Seth Halvorsen has emerged as the Rockies' most valuable trade asset and could command a significant return from a contending team.
Amidst the swirling trade rumors, the Rockies gave the Coors Field faithful something to cheer about, securing a series victory with an 8-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. The offense jumped out early, scoring six runs in the first three frames. Hunter Goodman continued his solid campaign, and pitcher Bradley Blalock earned his very first MLB win. The victory snapped a losing streak and moved the team to 25-76, a small but needed highlight in an otherwise brutal season.
In a significant departure from their historically quiet trade deadlines, the Rockies are actively listening to offers for major pieces. Infielder Ryan McMahon, who is owed $32 million over the next two years, is on the block. However, the real heat is in the bullpen. A trio of hard-throwing relievers—Seth Halvorsen, Victor Vodnik (averaging 98.5 mph), and Jake Bird—are drawing significant interest from contenders looking to bolster their pitching for a playoff run. Halvorsen, with his triple-digit heat, is considered the team's best trade chip and could bring back the kind of prospect haul needed for a true rebuild.
While the big-league club struggles, there's legitimate excitement building in the farm system. Jared Thomas, the 2024 second-round pick, was named the organization's top performer for the first half after tearing up High-A Spokane. He and 2025 first-rounder Charlie Condon have both earned promotions to Double-A Hartford, a sign of their rapid development. The future pipeline is set to get another boost with the expected signing of this year's top draft pick, Ethan Holliday.
Every win matters now, not just for morale, but for avoiding infamy. With their 76th loss in the books, the Rockies are on a trajectory that puts them dangerously close to the modern-era record for losses in a season, set just last year by the 121-loss Chicago White Sox. To avoid matching that mark, the Rockies must finish the season with a record of at least 18-44 down the stretch. It's a grim subplot to a season of change.
While the win against the Cardinals was a welcome breath of fresh air at 20th and Blake, the real action is happening off the field. The next week leading up to the trade deadline will be pivotal. Will the Rockies finally pull the trigger on major deals to accelerate their rebuild, or will it be another quiet deadline? For a team desperate for a new direction, all eyes are on the front office.
