Arenado thrilled about Blackmon’s deal
SAN DIEGO » Nolan Arenado quickly dismissed the question, and then steered back to Wednesday’s hot topic in the Rockies’ clubhouse: outfielder Charlie Blackmon’s new, six-year, $108 million contract.
“I’m very happy for Charlie,” said the all-star third baseman, who’s in the second year of a twoyear, $29.5 million deal “He’s worked extremely hard, both on the field and off the field, and to see that pay off for him with this contract is pretty remarkable. It’s a great thing. He’s a great person and a great player and it’s well deserved.”
The looming question, of course, is how Blackmon’s signing might affect Arenado’s future with the Rockies. Arenado is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2019 season and will likely get a contract much larger than Blackmon’s. The question is whether the Rockies can afford to pay both players.
“Honestly, I didn’t think about that,” Arenado said. “I’m not thinking about that right now, I’m just trying to focus on baseball. That’s not my concern right now. I would rather not negotiate during the season.
“I’m happy for Chuck, and it’s not about me, it’s about him. I didn’t really put me and him together with it.”
General manager Jeff Bridich echoed Arenado.
“This has nothing to do with Nolan Arenado. This is all about Charlie Blackmon,” Bridich said. “They are teammates, but they are obviously different people. So there is no relationship there at all. This is all about Charlie, and we were thrilled that we were able to get this done.”
Second baseman DJ LeMahieu, Blackmon’s close friend, was also thrilled for his former roommate, but he’s aware that their time together as teammates is likely coming to an end. LeMahieu also is a free agent after this season and there have been no indications the Rockies will attempt to re-sign him.
“No, there have been no talks and I don’t think there will be,” LeMahieu said.
Manager Bud Black can now count on Blackmon being a force in his lineup for the foreseeable future.
“I’m trying to think of a guy that’s gotten so much better as a big leaguer,” Black said. “I remember seeing Charlie. He was a fourth outfielder, and he’s turned himself into one of the best players in the game.
“Getting to know him like I know him now, there’s a reason why this happened. Charlie is a great worker. He’s got a great head on his shoulders, all the things you look for in a player, he has.”
Negotiations for the new deal with Blackmon began near the end of February and were completed on the final day of spring training. Black kept close tabs, hopeful that a deal would get done.
“I knew it was in the works,” Black said. “I feel great about it. I’m excited for Charlie. I’m excited for the organization. I’m excited for the fans. I think this is where Charlie wanted to be.
“Denver and Charlie go handin-hand. With this one, it’s a good one for us as a group — those of us in uniform, down here in the clubhouse. Charlie’s excited, super-happy to be here. So I think it’s a good one.”