As May approaches and the major league season rolls on, many teams are beginning to see if they will be sellers or buyers at the trade deadline. With the Colorado Rockies sinking in a top-heavy NL West, the expiring contract of their longtime ace, Germán Márquez, will head the topic of conversation.

Márquez was an All-Star in 2021 but has not been able to reach the same level of success over the last three seasons, posting a 4.95 ERA in 2022 before injuries sidelined him for all but three games in 2023 and 2024. Márquez has been a trade topic for several seasons due to the Rockies’ floundering during his tenure. With the starter’s contract ending after this season, the Rockies have the opportunity to move him for building blocks if they so choose.

Márquez has spent his entire career pitching in the most hitter-friendly park in baseball. Along with recent injuries and struggling to get right on the mound since, a change of scenery may be just what the veteran needs. Márquez has struggled to begin this season. Through his first five starts he has a 9.30 ERA with only 14 strikeouts covering 20 1/3 innings pitched.

Despite his poor performance through April, there is time for him to turn his season around and become a trade chip that contenders are going to want down the stretch. Márquez has been able to keep the ball inside the yard this season, only allowing a pair to the division rival Los Angeles Dodgers.

If the Rockies are serious about moving Márquez, the Chicago Cubs should be at the top of the list of teams to call. The Cubs lost their ace Justin Steele to Tommy John surgery after only four starts. With the Cubs playing in a weakened National League Central division, the Northsiders could use the reinforcement down the stretch if their aspirations for October are real.

The New York Mets are another team that should have its eyes on the struggling starter. The Mets rotation has been fantastic to begin the season and show no signs of slowing down as they continue to hunt for the NL East crown. Citi Field could provide the fresh environment the Márquez needs to return to his All-Star form from 2021.

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