Rockies and third baseman Nolan Arenado reach $5M deal
DENVER (AP) The Colorado Rockies have avoided salary arbitration with third baseman Nolan Arenado on Friday by agreeing to a $5 million, one-year contract, nearly 10 times the $512,500 he earned last year.
Arenado is coming off a season in which led the major leagues with 130 RBIs. He also tied Washington's Bryce Harper for most homers in the National League with 42.
The 24-year-old Arenado also had a stellar season in the field as he captured his third straight Gold Glove award. He led all third basemen in total chances (507), assists (385) and double plays (42).
A second-round pick in 2009, Arenado has a career .281 batting average with 70 homers and 243 RBIs.
Two players swapped numbers with the team. Outfielder Charlie Blackmon asked for $3.9 million and the Rockies offered $2.7 million, while second baseman DJ LeMahieu asked for $3.3 million and was offered $2.8 million.
