Rockies release longtime catcher Elías Díaz in the wake of youth movement

DENVER – Catcher Elías Díaz, a mainstay on the Colorado Rockies roster for nearly five years, was unconditionally released Friday, two days after the team placed him on waivers.

Díaz's release was the latest move in the Rockies' ongoing talent movement. The club opted to sign rookie Drew Romo from Triple A Albuquerque, where the switch-hitting catcher and ninth-ranked prospect by MLB.com had a .297 batting average in 85 games. The 35th pick in the 2020 draft, Romo had 14 home runs, 60 RBIs and 3 stolen bases.

Romo, 22, was expected to start Saturday night's game against the San Diego Padres, making his major league debut.

Díaz, 33, spent the first half of his 10-year major league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates before joining Colorado as a free agent in January 2020. He was in the final year of a three-year, $14.5 million contract.

Díaz posted a .270 batting average with five home runs and 36 RBIs in 84 games this season. He spent time on the injured list with a left calf injury and missed several games after his return with a strained right calf.

Well-liked by his teammates and respected by the team's pitchers for his leadership and playmaking skills, Díaz is also known for his home run in last season's All-Star Game, for which he was named MVP, making him the first Rockies player to receive that honor.

“The changes we're making shouldn't be a surprise,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “I've talked about the rejuvenation efforts to see our younger players. And some of our young pitchers have come onto our roster this season. Today is another example of moving one of our young players up.”

Black said he called Díaz into his office on Friday to inform him of the organization's decision, saying it was not an easy conversation.

“Moving on from a guy like Elias was difficult in many ways,” Black said. “He was a key part of this team for four years and we saw him grow as a player. We're proud of Elias and what he's done here. He can hold his head high and we'll root for him wherever he goes. But as you know, things change, players come and go.”

In separate moves, the Rockies also activated left-handed pitcher Lucas Gilbreath from the 60-day injured list following his recovery from left elbow surgery and sent right-handed pitcher Riley Pint to Albuquerque.