Isaac Stevens | @coachfunnyman11 | March 24, 2024
Earlier today (3/24), the Rockies acquired 1B/OF Jake Cave from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for cash considerations. The move comes in light of Rockies star Nolan Jones’s injury that happened the day prior to the trade, though this move may have been made independent of the injury. Whilst Nolan Jones could be ready for Opening Day, the Rockies could use the assurance of a Major League caliber replacement if worse comes to worst.
Cave has been in MLB since 2018, playing for both the Twins and the Phillies. He has appeared in exactly 400 games in that span, accumulating 256 hits and 38 home runs. Cave is out of minor league options, so he has to stay on the MLB roster or be DFA’d or released. That can be seen as a tricky obstacle for the Rockies as they move guys up and down, especially since there is no clear role for Cave as of the time of the trade.
So what exactly does Cave bring to the Rockies and what can we expect from him?
Why did the Rockies do the trade?
In the offseason, Rockies General Manager Bill Schmidt said the Rockies were looking for a left handed bench bat to play all three outfield spots. First, they signed MLB veteran outfielder Bradley Zimmer to a MiLB contract, who at the time seemed like the obvious pick to make the team out of Spring Training. Now with the trade for Cave, Zimmer been subsequently released. Then during Spring Training the Rockies claimed their former outfielder Sam Hilliard, who was on Baltimore’s 40-man roster. What seemed like the final move to address the outfield, the Rockies traded for Rays prospect Greg Jones (on Tampa’s 40-man), with Sam Hilliard DFA’d in a corresponding move. Now, just two days later, the Rockies traded for Jake Cave, and it looks like he’s the set in stone as that left handed hitting outfielder and bench bat.
After all of these acquisitions, and the uncertainty of who would be that reserve outfielder, Jake Cave was the shining light. For as much as Cave strikes out, it is considerably less than Zimmer and Hilliard. Caves’s defense isn’t as sharp as both Zimmer and Hilliard. He still had 3 DRS in the outfield in 2023 and has sparingly played centerfield since 2021. He will hold his own in the outfield, and his above average speed will help out with the large Coors outfield, but he’s not a seamless 3-position outfielder.
With the news of the Nolan Jones knee contusion, it makes sense for the Rockies to use Cave as a temporary replacement. However, Thomas Harding reported that Nolan Jones believes he’ll be back on the field as early as tomorrow and likely for Opening Day. If that is the case, Jake Cave could be a potential pinch hitter and a platoon guy for right handed pitchers. When you have a guy like Cave on your 26-man roster, you make a way for him to get at bats one way or another.
Why Jake Cave?
In his first two seasons in MLB (2018 & 2019), Jake Cave had a 109 and 114 wRC+, respectively (100 wRC+ is league average). Then in 2020, Jake Cave posted a career high in 35.8 K% and a career low in 4.1 BB%, showing his once tight and selective approach had loosened up with a lot more swings at pitches he isn’t suited to hit. Cave hasn’t been able to set his feet entirely since then, posting a wRC+ of just 69 since 2020. While being 31% lower than league average isn’t the most attractive thing, he still has a lot of redeeming attributes.
His success in the majors centered around how much he barrelled up the ball and made hard contact. In 2018, 2019, and 2022 he had above average barrel percentages (2018 – 14.5%; 2019 – 12.5%; and 2022 – 10.3%. 2023 league average was 6.9%). The more he barrelled up the ball, the better results Cave had, which is self-evident. Bat control is one of those things that doesn’t really go away throughout a career, and it’s certainly possible that Cave can revitalize that part of his game again in 2023.
Additionally, given how well Cave has hit fastballs in his MLB career (+14 Run Value on 4-seam fastballs since 2018), Coors Field could provide a boost as the park changes the way pitches move, making it easier to hit pitches that rely on movement.
Down in the minors, Cave flashed impressive ability in 2023. His Triple-A stats were absolutely insane. Cave’s wRC+ was 172, which was the fourth best in all of MiLB (Min. 250 PA). He also had the second best SLG% in all of MiLB, as well. The difference between his Triple-A and MLB numbers are vast, but it gives an idea of what he is capable of, at his best. Cave also smacked and impressive 16 home runs in just 59 games.
What does Cave bring to the Rockies?
There isn’t a world where Jake Cave doesn’t get a look for the Rockies. Whether it’s to help fill in for Nolan Jones if he’s not ready for Opening Day, or if it’s to pinch hit against a righty, Cave should be getting a lot of at bats to start 2024.
There is no weight to the trade either; the Rockies didn’t trade any players to the Phillies so there won’t be any bitter taste if he doesn’t perform. If Cave performs up to expectations, it’s good for everyone involved, but if Cave struggles, the Rockies can easily let him go.
Cave has spent 6 seasons in the MLB, and in 3 of those seasons, he appeared in the playoffs. So Cave brings playoff experience and has a tolerance to the stress high pressure baseball induces, allowing him to be a valuable clubhouse presence. Additionally, restarting with a team that has a merely 0% chance of making the playoffs can help and make the game more relaxed. New beginnings can be crucial for player development and performance, and for the Rockies and Cave it can be a potential match made in heaven should Cave re-emerge as a viable veteran.
Cave has experience playing all three outfield positions and first base, providing some necessary flexibility in the outfield. Last year, the Rockies brought in a player that could be considered the infield version of Jake Cave in Mike Moustakas. Moustakas spent time in the starting lineup and as a prominent bench player, sprinkled with success. Best case scenario, if Cave performs well he will have trade value come the trade deadline, and the Rockies can continue their newfound practice of dealing short-term veterans.
Final Thoughts
This trade may be as little as Cave getting just a week or two of playing time, though the potential that Jake Cave could bring to the Rockies is intriguing. For a guy that has never figured it out in MLB for extended periods, Colorado may be the best place to find his footing.
If you’re still left wondering what value Cave brings, remember Cave started 52 games for the 90-72 Phillies last year. For a team who has historically put together quality rosters, Cave’s key bench role speaks volumes to what other teams in the league see. This trade will be worth revisiting later this season. Will Cave be a mere early season depth piece while the team waits for Greg Jones or another prospect to be MLB ready or will he get a chance to establish himself as a left-handed hitting platoon player?
Thank you for reading!
Brought to you by…
One response to “Understanding the Jake Cave Trade”
-
[…] Understanding the Jake Cave Trade […]
Leave a Reply