This story was excerpted from Thomas Harding’s Rockies Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
DENVER -- Brent Suter’s last few weeks would have been strange in most businesses, but normal for baseball. The Rockies expressed how much they value their lefty reliever, yet they were honest that they entertained parting with him for the right trade offer.
But the high price supported how much the Rockies wanted to keep Suter, so Tuesday’s Trade Deadline passed with him remaining with the club.
“I’m a guy who has been around the league, with subpar stuff,” Suter said, smiling -- possibly because his stats are better than the self-scouting report.
Suter’s fastball-changeup combination has held opposing hitters to a .229 batting average.
Contact numbers against Suter have been among the weakest against any pitcher in the sport, according to Statcast -- an 83.7 mph average exit velocity that is the lowest in the Majors, and a 24.3 percent hard-hit rate that is the fourth-lowest.
There is a chance Suter (4-0, 2.74 ERA) will be back next year, as well.
“They told me a couple days prior that they weren’t really interested in trading, for a variety of reasons, so I had a heads-up,” Suter said. “But things change. I was still keeping in mind the Deadline, for sure.”
Through the smoke of Trade Deadline bartering, the idea of re-signing Suter, a free agent at season’s end, was broached. In 2022, the Rockies reached a two-year, $19 million agreement with right-handed reliever Daniel Bard, which eliminated the idea of a trade.
But there is still time before he is eligible for free agency at the conclusion of the World Series. Even after, the Rockies will be among the teams vying for his services.
“I’ve expressed interest in staying here if they want me around,” Suter said. “I love it here, love the guys, love the organization. So, TBD on if we can work something out. But I love it here and my family loves it here. It’s a special place.”
The Rockies (42-66) are undergoing turnover at many positions, but they want to hold together a bullpen anchored from the right by closer Justin Lawrence and including Bard (trying to overcome recent struggles), Jake Bird and Tyler Kinley (just back from missing a year because right elbow flexor tendon surgery). Suter fits as the experienced lefty, with Lucas Gilbreath -- coming off Tommy John -- trying to capitalize on some strong stretches in 2021 and ‘22.
“He’s a very positive influence on our club,” said general manager Bill Schmidt, whose policy is not to discuss negotiations publicly. “We like him.”
Suter’s delivery isn’t textbook. It’s a short arm motion, and he practically pounces toward the plate.
But all that he does before throwing the ball can be copied by less-experienced pitchers.
“I’m kind of an outgoing personality and I reach out to younger guys,” Suter said. “I try to keep my routine and my preparation consistent, every day. So maybe they want me to be an example.”