The Colorado Rockies are reportedly finalizing a deal with third baseman Nolan Arenado for eight years and $255 million per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal would make him the highest per-year salary position player in the league. Reporter Ken Rosenthal indicated the deal would be worth $260 million.
BREAKING: Third baseman Nolan Arenado and the Colorado Rockies are finalizing an eight-year, contract extension worth more than $255M, league sources tell ESPN. Deal includes an opt-out after three years, would give Arenado the largest per-year salary of any position player.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 26, 2019
Source confirms: #Rockies, Arenado in final stages of negotiating eight-year, $260M extension with opt-out after three years. First to report deal as close: @JeffPassan.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 26, 2019
Nolan Arenado Staying in Colorado
Arenado’s Production
A career .291 hitter, Arenado has been a centerpiece of the Rockies organization since 2013. With a consistent glove in the hot corner and over 100 RBI’s in the past four seasons, Arenado was set for a payday. He has won the Golden Glove every year he has been in the league and Silver Slugger for National League third baseman the past four years. He has also made the All-Star team each of the past four years.
At only 28 years old, he is locked in until 2026. According to both Passan and Rosenthal, he could opt-out after the third season, allowing him to hit free agency at 30. The deal includes a full no-trade clause.
Rockies Outlook
Looking for their third straight postseason appearance, the extensions of Arenado and manager Bud Black in consecutive days shows that ownership has bought in on this team. Players such as Trevor Story and Charlie Blackmon will continue to be pillars of the offense and defense. Add in a minor league system that includes Brendan Rodgers, who could make the team and deliver a huge impact this season, as well as Colton Welker and Garrett Hampson, and the future looks very bright for this team.
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