The Colorado Rockies lost 96 games in 2014, and they have a new general manager with Dan O’Dowd stepping down and Jeff Bridich replacing him from within the organization. That may open the door to some significant changes this offseason, and trade talk surrounding some star players may resurface.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports has reported that the Rockies are “keeping their eyes and ears open” to potential trades involving shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. Trade rumors surrounding both guys are nothing new, but with injuries limiting each to less than 100 games this past season the number of teams interested in making a deal may now be fairly narrow.

The Rockies are unlikely to move both Tulowitzki and Gonzalez this offseason, so it comes down to financial considerations and who can be replaced more easily. Gonzalez stands out based on those factors, and here’s why.

Tulowitzki is under contract through 2021, at $20 million per year through 2020, with that final season being an option year at $15 million ($4 million buyout). So any acquiring team would have to be willing to take on a long-term investment in a 30-year old, injury-prone shortstop. To say that’s unlikely is obvious, and Tulowitzki has already said he would retire before he switched positions.

Gonzalez is due to make $16 million in 2015, and $37 million in the two seasons after that ($17 million in 2016: $20 million in 2017). While that is not insignificant money, three remaining years on Gonzalez’s contract as opposed to six guaranteed years for Tulowitzlki is significant in the overall picture. Gonzalez is a year younger than Tulowitzki as well.

The Rockies are in a position to easily replace Gonzalez, with Charlie Blackmon, Drew Stubbs, Corey Dickerson and Kyle Parker all likely to be on the roster come Opening Day next season. Colorado has also extended a one-year, $15.3 million qualifying offer to free agent Michael Cuddyer, so he may be back in the mix as well. The situation behind Tulowitzki is not as clear or nearly as deep with options for the Rockies, and finding a capable replacement for him would be a bigger challenge.

Moving Gonzalez may require some financial maneuvering by the Rockies, starting with willingness to pay some of the money left on his contract to help facilitate a trade. But I think he is one of the biggest names that will be dealt this winter, and a very good return could be coming for Colorado if they’re willing to seriously entertain trade offers.

Brad Berreman is a Columnist at Rant Sports.com. Connect with him on Twitter or Google +.