Hunter Goodman named Rockies’ lone All-Star, Nuggets make roster moves ahead of Summer League

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman is heading to the MLB All-Star Game, earning his first career selection.

Goodman, chosen via player vote, is the only Rockies player to receive an All-Star nod this season. He becomes just the second catcher in franchise history to earn the honor, joining Elias Díaz, who was selected in 2023.

Goodman’s production at the plate has been historic for a Rockies backstop. His 16 home runs and 50 RBIs are both franchise records for a catcher before the All-Star break. He’s also the first Rockies player to record at least 50 RBIs prior to the break since 2021.

In June, Goodman led Major League Baseball in slugging percentage (.734), ranked third in OPS (1.108), tied for third in extra-base hits (15), and tied for 11th in both home runs (7) and total bases (58), among players with at least 70 at-bats.

Meanwhile, the Rockies stayed clutch at home, earning their 10th home victory of the season — all of which have come in the final game of a series.

On Sunday, outfielder Mickey Moniak set the tone early, launching his 13th homer of the year in the first inning. Later, with the Rockies trailing 4–2 in the fifth, Moniak drove in two more with a double down the right field line — leaving him just a double short of the cycle.

Michael Toglia then stepped in and delivered a go-ahead two-run homer, putting Colorado ahead for good in a 6–4 win over the White Sox.

Valančiūnas Eyes Europe After Nuggets Trade

The Denver Nuggets recently acquired veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas in a trade that sent Dario Šarić elsewhere. While the move looked like a frontcourt upgrade on paper, Valančiūnas has reportedly requested to terminate his NBA contract in order to sign overseas.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Valančiūnas was expected to be in Athens for a physical, signaling a potential move to play in Greece. Despite the reports, the Nuggets remain “optimistic” that the 32-year-old big man will suit up for Denver this season.

Valančiūnas, a former No. 5 overall pick, brings 937 games of NBA experience across five teams. He holds career averages of 13.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. Last season, he averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds on 55% shooting while splitting time between Washington and Sacramento.

Denver hopes Valančiūnas can fill a key backup role behind reigning MVP Nikola Jokić. Whether he’ll stay in the NBA remains to be seen.

Deron Holmes Set for Summer League Return

As the Nuggets deal with uncertainty in the frontcourt, they’re also welcoming back a promising young piece.

Second-year forward Deron Holmes — Denver’s first-round pick in 2024 — was spotted at Summer League practice this week. The 6-foot-10 forward missed his rookie season after suffering an Achilles injury, but he’s back on the floor and working his way into game shape ahead of his expected NBA debut.

Holmes is expected to play in Las Vegas when the Nuggets’ Summer League team takes the court July 10–20 at Cox Pavilion and the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus.

Assistant coach Andrew Munson will once again serve as the Summer League team’s head coach.

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Hunter Goodman named Rockies’ lone All-Star, Nuggets make roster moves ahead of Summer League

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