The Colorado Rockies have kicked off trade season! Maybe.

With the 2023 MLB Trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Rockies have made their second trade of the year, sending reliever Pierce Johnson to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for a pair of pitching prospects; Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon.

I break down the season that Johnson was having so far and why he might have netted such a quality return. Plus, a breakdown of the profile on the two new arms in the system, including Vodnik’s potentially elite fastball. Then, there’s room for a bit of speculation on whether or not there are more trades to come and what players like Daniel Bard, Brent Suter, and Brad Hand might be worth in this market considering that Johnson has struggled more than any of them by a wide margin.

What would a successful trade deadline look like? And can the Colorado Rockies actually turn their veteran assets into something they haven’t had in a long time? Hope?

Make sure to keep up with the latest in the world of Colorado Rockies baseball, as well as deep dives on Rockies history with the 20th and Blake Podcast on the Mile High Sports podcast network.

Watch on the MHS YouTube channel for the best local coverage of Colorado sports. Take your podcasts on the go when you download the all-new free Mile High Sports Radio mobile app for Apple or Android. Make sure to like, rate and subscribe to each episode, and be sure to follow the @DrewCreasman on Twitter.

Listen to “Rockies trade Pierce Johnson to Atlanta for pitching prospects” on Spreaker.