Germán Márquez isnât just returning from Tommy John surgery â heâs reasserting himself as one of the most intriguing under-the-radar arms available ahead of the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline.
The Rockiesâ veteran right-hander continued his resurgence Sunday in Milwaukee, allowing just two solo home runs across 5.2 innings while striking out five and walking three. It was his fourth consecutive outing allowing two earned runs or fewer â a streak that has helped drop his ERA to 1.33 over his last 20.1 innings. The command is sharpening. The velocity is inching up. And most importantly, the feel is back.
Suddenly, Márquez â a 2021 All-Star â is pitching like someone who belongs on contender wishlists.
Since the start of June, the 29-year-old has looked more and more like his pre-surgery self. The fastball-curveball combo that once made him Coloradoâs ace is back in rhythm, and while his overall ERA still sits at an inflated 5.62, that number masks his recent dominance and the early struggles typical of a pitcher shaking off post-op rust. Heâs holding hitters to softer contact, walking fewer batters, and displaying the polish of a pitcher with 1,000 big-league innings under his belt.
What makes Márquez even more valuable is the context. Heâs a rental on an expiring contract â no long-term money, no complicated options. For teams like the Orioles, Padres, Royals, Brewers, or Reds looking to stabilize the back half of a rotation or sneak in a high-upside arm without gutting their farm system, Márquez could be the perfect fit.
He doesnât come with the hype of Garrett Crochet or Jesús Luzardo, but Márquez does bring something just as appealing: dependability, postseason experience, and the ability to handle pressure. He was the Rockiesâ No. 1 starter during their last playoff runs, and unlike many trade candidates this summer, heâs already battled in high-leverage spots.
Even his weaknesses have leveled out. Home runs and walks were early-season issues, but heâs allowed just three long balls and six walks during this current four-start stretch â a promising sign as he builds momentum heading into July. And while heâs never been a dominant strikeout arm, his recent 20:6 K:BB ratio suggests the stuff is ticking up at the right time.
Still, itâs unclear whether Colorado will act. The Rockies have often resisted selling, even in years where it seemed inevitable. But Márquezâs strong return and pending free agency may leave the front office little choice. They could let him walk this offseason for nothing â or flip a surging, low-cost asset at peak value.
Scouts have already taken notice, and if Márquez continues dealing â his next start comes at home against the White Sox â he could quickly jump up the deadline board for multiple playoff hopefuls. Given his recent form, some club might see him not just as a depth piece, but as a legitimate Game 3 or 4 postseason option.
No, but Marquez is quietly dominating when it matters most.
And come July 31, that could make all the difference.
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