The Rockies have yet another new arm for their bullpen, and one less outfielder to worry about.
Colorado acquired left-hander Jake McGee from the Rays on Thursday for outfielder Corey Dickerson as part of a four-player trade. The Rockies also received minor league pitcher German Marquez and sent minor league infielder Kevin Padlo to Tampa Bay.
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The Rockies already had signed veteran relievers Jason Motte and Chad Qualls this winter to shore up a bullpen that had a major league-worst 4.70 ERA in 2015. McGee, 29, provides a lefty complement who even has some experience closing games.
McGee’s 2015 season started late after offseason elbow surgery and ended early due to a knee problem, but he was one of the best relievers in the majors in 2014 with a 1.89 ERA and a 0.897 WHIP in 73 appearances.
The Rockies’ decision to move Dickerson is no surprise. Since the team signed Gerardo Parra two weeks ago — giving Colorado four starting-caliber outfielders who all hit left-handed — the expectation has been that Dickerson, Charlie Blackmon or Carlos Gonzalez would be gone by spring training.
Dickerson, who turns 27 in May, has a .299/.345/.534 slash line in 265 games with Colorado over the last three seasons. Strong numbers, but it remains to be seen how well they will hold up once he no longer plays half his games in Denver. For his career, Dickerson has a 1.085 OPS at Coors Field compared to .695 elsewhere.
The Rays’ motivation in the deal is largely financial, as McGee will make $4.8 million this season and be eligible for free agency after 2017. They’ll get an additional two years of control on Dickerson, who isn’t arbitration-eligible until after this season.
This article has been updated with details of the trade.