Arenado, Rockies reach $260M deal

Nolan Arenado likes where he’s at and the direction the Rockies are headed. So he’s staying put.

The All-Star third baseman agreed to a $260 million, eight-year contract on Tuesday, a person familiar with the negotiations said.

Arenado’s agreement includes a provision that allows him to opt out after three years and become a free agent.

If the deal is finalized, Arenado’s $32.5 million average annual value would be the secondhighest in baseball history behind the $34.42 million for pitcher Zack Greinke in a $206.5 million contract with Arizona that began in 2016. Arenado’s deal would replace a $26 million, one-year contract he agreed to Jan. 31.

Arenado, who turns 28 April 16, was on track to be eligible for free agency after this season. But there’s comfort in remaining at Coors Field, especially in these uncertain days that have seen Manny Machado unsigned until last week and Bryce Harper still searching for a team.

Arenado is a career .291 hitter with 186 home runs, 616 RBIs and an .886 OPS. In 2018, Arenado batted .297 with an NL-leading 38 homers, finishing third in MVP voting.

Invitation for Angels:

Officials in Long Beach, Calif., have approached the Angels about building a downtown ballpark near the waterfront.

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia told the Los Angeles Times that discussions are “very preliminary” and that they are exploring many options for a 13-acre parking lot adjacent to the convention center.

The Angels opted out of their lease at Angel Stadium in Anaheim in October. The Anaheim City Council voted in January to extend the lease by one year through 2020. Both sides continue to explore options on remaining in Anaheim, but team president John Carpino said they are exploring all options for a new or renovated ballpark.

Angel Stadium opened in 1966 and is the fourtholdest ballpark in the major leagues.

Kershaw still sidelined:

Clayton Kershaw is not expected to play catch again until Thursday as the Dodgers address his throwing discomfort.

The three-time NL Cy Young winner will not undergo an MRI, manager Dave Roberts said.

“Nothing new, nothing new, we’re going to wait and see how it feels,” Roberts said, affirming that at this point Kershaw remains the opening day starter.

The ace left-hander was shut down late last week with discomfort in the shoulder.

Extra innings:

All-Star RHP Miles Mikolas and the Cardinals agreed to a contract adding $68 million in guaranteed money from 2020-23, raising his pay to $75.5 million over the next five seasons.