Rockies' reliever could be the hidden gem of the 2026 trade market

After being DFA'd by both the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs during the 2024 season, Jimmy Herget was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies. And while many pitchers hate pitching in Colorado, the RHP has made the most of it. 

Last season, he appeared in 59 games, tying a career-low 2.48 ERA on 83.1 innings of work. This season, he has picked up right where he left off. 

The reliever has appeared in 11 games so far this season, tallying a 1.50 ERA on 12 innings of work, and he has gotten a shot to close out games, saving one so far. 

MORE: Rockies predicted to trade former Phillies, Royals All-Star to boost farm system

Rockies' reliever could be the hidden gem of the 2026 trade market

The Rockies are looking like a much better team, but they won't be postseason contenders. They are still a few pieces away from potentially cracking the postseason for the first time since the 2018 season. 

To help get them there, they could look at trading some valuable pieces ahead of the trade deadline. Contenders are always looking for relievers, and Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller believes Herget could be a top trade candidate come later this summer. 

"By no means will Herget command a [Mason] Miller level of prospect return, but he's now up to 69 appearances with a 2.39 ERA for the Rockies. Someone with a seventh/eighth inning need might be willing to bend over backwards to get this guy into their bullpen for the 2026 stretch run and the entirety of 2027."

Herget is working on a $1.55 million contract this year and is arbitration eligible for 2027, which could entice teams more than some relievers working on just a one-year deal. 

Not many can pitch the way he does in Colorado. Just imagine what he can do when he doesn't have to make half of his appearances in the highest-altitude park across MLB.

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