Rockies CF Blackmon gets $108 million, six-year deal
Star who set MLB marks last year off to good start again.
The leadoff hitter extraordinaire with the ragged beard and impressive mullet will be patrolling the Colorado Rockies outfield for quite some time. NL batting champion Charlie Blackmon made a long-term commitment Wednesday rather than test the free-agent market next offseason, agreeing to a contract that guarantees him $108 million over six seasons.
In January, the two-time All-Star center fielder agreed to a $14 million, one-year deal. The new agreement 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 to $5 million based on plate appearances in 2022. His 2023 salary is capped at $18 million.
Blackmon, 31, is coming off one of the best seasons ever for a leadoff hitter. His 102 RBIs while hitting in the top spot was a record, surpassing the 100 of Darin Erstad of the Angels in 2000. Blackmon’s 383 total bases from the leadoff spot in 2017 also were the most all-time. He’s started this season on a torrid pace: .316 with four homers and 16 RBIs. In his big-league career, he’s hit .305 with 115 homers and 361 RBIs.
Phillies: As a snowstorm hit New York on Monday, Phillies reliever Pat Neshek found a fun way to pass the time. Opening packs of baseball cards, the avid collector unwrapped a rare gem and shared the news on Twitter.
“Ripping open packs in ny, I found it !!!!!!! Ohtani #’d 1/69,” Neshek tweeted, along with a photo of his prize — an autographed Shohei Ohtani rookie card from the 2018 Topps Heritage set.
Since the two-way phenom signed with the Los Angeles Angels in December, his cards and other autographed items have been highly coveted in the sports collectible industry. This particular card was signed by the Japanese star in red ink, making it the rarer of two parallel groups of Ohtani autographs found within the set. Only 69 of this variation were produced, each one numbered individually.
Philadelphia’s scheduled game against the Mets on Monday night was postponed due to wintry weather.
Cardinals: Plan to activate RHP Adam Wainwright (strained hamstring) from the 10-day DL today to start the home opener vs. Arizona.
Mets: All-Star OF Michael Conforto (shoulder surgery) will travel with the team to Washington and could be activated as soon as today.
Braves: Brought RHP Luke Jackson up from Triple-A Gwinnett and designated C Chris Stewart for assignment.