Rockies GM reaffims intent to keep Gonzalez, Blackmon
Expect the Colorado Rockies' outfield to look unchanged in 2017.
Though other teams have reportedly held discussions with the Rockies regarding their outfield contingent this offseason, general manager Jeff Bridich admitted he has never had an inclination to trade two of Colorado's best outfielders.
"There's never been any desire for us to trade Carlos (Gonzalez) or Charlie (Blackmon)," Bridich said on MLB Network Radio on Tuesday.
Related: Rockies reportedly asking for 'Eaton-type' return in Blackmon talks
Bridich's comments are the latest in a list of efforts by the executive to quell concerns that either of the players could be on their way out of Coors Field this winter.
The general manager has also told Blackmon to take any rumors with a "grain of salt," though with a glut of outfielders on the roster including Gerardo Parra, David Dahl, and potentially even new signee Ian Desmond, it may not be enough to dispel worries.
Blackmon, specifically, has drawn plenty of intrigue from other teams after a dominant offensive performance this past season. The 30-year-old slashed .324/.381/.552 in 143 games with Colorado in 2016, but he also impressed away from the hitter's paradise that is Coors Field, recording a .313/.363/.563 slash line on the road to go with 17 home runs.