Rockies CF signs deal

Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon, who was last season’s National League batting champion, agreed to a contract that guarantees him $108 million over six seasons. It’s been in the works for most of spring training — and under the radar. In January, the two-time All-Star had agreed to a $14 million, one-year deal. The new agreement announced in San Diego, where the Rockies are playing a four-game series with the Padres, calls for a $2 million signing bonus payable within 30 days of the deal’s approval by the commissioner’s office, a $12 million salary this year and $21 million in each of the next three seasons. Blackmon has player options of $21 million for 2022 and $10 million for 2023, and his 2023 salary can escalate up to $5 million based on plate appearances in 2022: $500,000 each for 400, 425, 450, 475, 500 and 525, and $1 million apiece for 550 and 575. His 2023 salary would increase by $2 million if he is among the top three in MVP voting from 2018-22 and by $1 million if he finishes fourth or fifth. The 2023 salary is capped at $18 million. As part of the deal negotiated by agents Sam and Seth Levinson, Blackmon can list 15 teams each season he can’t be traded to without his consent. Blackmon is coming off one of the best seasons ever for a leadoff hitter. His 102 RBI while hitting in the top spot was a major league record, surpassing the mark of 100 set by Darin Erstad of the Angels in 2000. Blackmon’s 383 total bases from the leadoff spot in 2017 also were the most all-time. Blackmon, 31, entered Wednesday hitting .316 with 4 home runs and 6 RBI.