Rockies, Blackmon agree on 1-year deal to avoid arbitration
The Colorado Rockies have agreed to a deal with outfielder Charlie Blackmon that will allow both parties to avoid arbitration.
The club announced on Monday that it has agreed to terms for a one-year deal with Blackmon. Multiple outlets report that the deal is worth $3.5 million.
This is Blackmon's first year of arbitration eligibility. In figures recently filed, the Rockies submitted $2.7 million, while Blackmon's camp filed at $3.9 million.
The 29-year-old center fielder has been a solid contributor to the Rockies since a breakout season in 2014, in which he made his first All-Star team.
In the past two years, Blackmon has hit .287/.341/.445 while averaging 18 home runs, 65 RBI, and 36 stolen bases per season.
His value has dragged his name into trade speculation this offseason, particularly now that the Rockies have an additional outfielder after signing Gerardo Parra.
With Colorado desperate for starting pitching, analysts believe the club will trade one or more of its outfielders in order to fulfill its need for starters.
"It's good to be relevant," Blackmon said of his name being mentioned in trade rumors, via MLB.com. "It's nice that somebody is taking enough time to write something about you. I try not to read into it too much. I know it's out of my control, so I don't let it get to me. But it's always good to be something that other teams recognize as maybe this player could help my club.
"But on the other hand, obviously, I love the Colorado Rockies organization and I would like to play here."
