Blackmon OKs $108 million, 6-year contract
Colorado center fielder Charlie Blackmon, who had agreed to a one-year, $14 million deal in January, on Wednesday parlayed that into a contract that will guarantee him $108 million over six seasons.
In addition to his $14 million deal this year, Blackmon will earn $21 million in each of the next three seasons. He also has player options of $21 million for 2022 and $10 million for 2023. With bonuses, his 2023 salary could reach $18 million.
Blackmon, 31, hit .331 with 37 home runs and 102 RBIs last season. His 383 total bases from the leadoff spot in 2017 were the most all-time.
“I knew this was going to be a big year for me, leading into this season, this season and what would happen after the season,” Blackmon said. “I weighed all my options and chose what I feel like is the best decision for me and my family, and that’s to stay in Colorado.”
Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich said the team was “thrilled we were able to get this done. He’s one of the elite players in the game now.” Back to work: St. Louis right-hander Adam Wainwright, who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury, will be activated from the disabled list Thursday to start the Cardinals’ home opener against Arizona.
“I think they invented tests for me to try to pass to prove to them that I was ready,” Wainwright said. Injury report: The Padres placed outfielder Wil Myers on the DL with nerve irritation in his right arm . ... Cleveland will activate left fielder Michael Brantley from the DL before Friday’s home opener against the Royals, manager Terry Francona said . ... Houston shortstop Carlos Correa got Wednesday off to rest a bruised big toe, the result of fouling a ball off his foot Sunday . ... Toronto shortstop Aledmys Diaz was held out of Wednesday’s game because of back spasms . ... Philadelphia reliever Pat Neshek (strained right shoulder) had an MRI exam that showed inflammation, but did not reveal a significant injury. He is expected to miss a couple of more weeks. Briefly: The Angels acquired right-hander Miguel Almonte from the Royals for cash or a player to be named, and optioned him to Triple-A Salt Lake . ... The Yankees acquired infielder/outfielder Cody Asche from the Royals for a player to be named or cash and assigned him to Triple-A Scranton/WilkesBarre . ... Atlanta purchased the contract of pitcher Luke Jackson from Triple-A Gwinnett. Former Giants catcher Chris Stewart was designated for assignment . ... Infielder/outfielder Dustin Ackley agreed to a minorleague deal with the Angels, MLB.com reported. Ackley spent last season with Salt Lake, the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate.