Staff writers Nick Groke and Joe Nguyen look at the five biggest trades in Rockies history.
1. Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto
July 27, 2015
Rockies got: SS Jose Reyes, RP Miguel Castro, SP Jeff Hoffman and SP Jesus Tinoco
Toronto got: SS Troy Tulowitzki, RP LaTroy Hawkins
One of the top homegrown players in Rockies history, Tulowitzki had long been involved in trade rumors. The five-time all-star, and arguably best shortstop in the major leagues, provided big numbers throughout his nine-year career in Colorado.
Colorado Rockies Matt Holliday hits a home run in the first inning in game 2 of the NLDS at Citizens Bank Park on Oct. 4, 2007. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
2. Matt Holliday to Oakland
Nov. 10, 2008
Rockies got: OF Carlos Gonzalez, SP Greg Smith, RP Huston Street
Oakland got: OF Matt Holliday
Matt Holliday, the hero who dove into home plate to send the Rockies to the playoffs in the final regular season game in 2007, went on the trading block a year later. While Greg Smith didn’t pan out for the Rockies, the other two pieces of the trade did. Huston Street became a dependable closer and Carlos Gonzalez blossomed to be an all-star, Gold Glove replacement for Holliday.
Colorado starter Ubaldo Jimenez delivered to the plate in the sixth inning. The Colorado Rockies hosted the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field on July 19, 2011. (Denver Post file)
3. Ubaldo Jimenez to Cleveland
July 30, 2011
Rockies got: SP Alex White, SP Drew Pomeranz, OF Matt McBride and SP Joe Gardner
Cleveland got: SP Ubaldo Jimenez
A year after he threw the first no-hitter in team history and had the most dominant season for any Rockies pitcher ever, Colorado dealt Ubaldo Jimenez for four prospects, none of whom panned out.
Colorado Rockies starter Mike Hampton delivers a pitch in the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, April 1, 2002, in St. Louis. (Tom Gannam, The Associated Press)
4. Mike Hampton to Miami
Nov. 16, 2002
Rockies got: C Charles Johnson, OF Preston Wilson, RP Vic Darensbough and IF Pablo Ozuna
Marlins got: SP Mike Hampton, OF Juan Pierre and cash
Two years after signing starting pitcher Mike Hampton to a huge contract, the Rockies traded the struggling starter. Hampton burst on the scene with the Rockies, compiling a 9-2 record with a 2.98 ERA in his first 13 starts. But he would finish his time in Colorado 12-26 with a 6.63 ERA. Colorado would also lose fleet-footed outfielder Juan Pierre to get the deal done. The biggest piece Colorado would get in return was Preston Wilson, who had one huge year for Rockies, with 36 home runs and 141 RBIs in 2003.
San Diego Padres’ pitcher Andy Ashby throws during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves Friday Sept. 5, 1997 in San Diego. Ashby held the Braves hitless through seven innings. (Joan C. Fahrenthold, The Associated Press)
5. Five-player deal with San Diego
July 26, 1993
Rockies got: SP Bruce Hurst, SP Greg Harris
San Diego got: SP Andy Ashby, C Brad Ausmus, RP Doug Bochtler
This might be the worst trade in Rockies history. Harris went 4-20 over two season with a 6.60 ERA. Hurst started just three games, pitching a total of eight innings. Ashby proved to be a capable major-league starter, and earned all-star berths in 1998 and 1999. Ausmus would spend 18 years in the majors as a dependable catcher, earning three gold gloves.
