The Colorado Rockies and center fielder Charlie Blackmon have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $14 million, according to media reports.
Blackmon hit .331 with 37 homers and 104 RBIs during the 2017 season, taking home the National League batting title and finishing fifth in the NL MVP voting. He also lead the majors in hits (213,) runs scored (137), triples (14) and total bases (383).
The 31-year-old will be a free agent after the 2018 season and will nearly double his 2017 salary of $7.3 million.
Blackmon, an All-Star selection last season and in 2014, has played for the Rockies in all of his seven MLB seasons. He sports a career .305 batting average to go along with career totals of 111 home runs and 355 RBIs.
His value has dragged his name into trade speculation this offseason, particularly now that the Rockies have an additional outfielder after signing Gerardo Parra.
With Colorado desperate for starting pitching, analysts believe the club will trade one or more of its outfielders in order to fulfill its need for starters.
"It’s good to be relevant," Blackmon said of his name being mentioned in trade rumors, via MLB.com. "It’s nice that somebody is taking enough time to write something about you. I try not to read into it too much. I know it’s out of my control, so I don’t let it get to me. But it’s always good to be something that other teams recognize as maybe this player could help my club.
"But on the other hand, obviously, I love the Colorado Rockies organization and I would like to play here."
The Rockies had five players eligible for arbitration this offseason. Jordan Lyles agreed to a one-year contract worth $3.175 million on November 30 and Jake McGee signed for $5.9 million on December 2, just before the non-tender deadline. Nolan Arenado already agreed to a two-year deal earlier today. Chatwood has agreed as well though they figures have not been reported.
