Back at the Winter Meetings in December, I asked Colorado Rockies GM Jeff Bridich a question about the possibility of extending some of his young players, buying out their arbitration years in a similar fashion to the way the club has in the past with players like Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez.
Bridich understandably was reluctant to go into details and noted that his primary focus at the time was in making outside-the-organization moves which ultimately resulted in the signing of veterans Daniel Murphy and Mark Reynolds.
But he didn’t entirely sidestep the question either, electing to recognize the purpose behind why (and about who) I might be wondering would make sense to extend.
Without either of us naming specific names, he concluded his statement about constantly being on the lookout for such opportunities by saying, “But yes, I agree with you; we have some guys where that would make sense.”
And now it is the season. The extension season.
In the past few days, it has been announced that Aaron Nola has been extended by the Philadelphia Phillies and Luis Severino by the New York Yankees, both on deals of four years worth $40 million.
This could mean some big things for the Colorado club.
First of all, these deals seem like a perfect blueprint for what the Rockies could (and likely should) offer their own young but uber-talented arms, Kyle Freeland and German Marquez.
It’s obviously good money that, by the end of the deal, may end up being less than what either guy could make in arbitration if they continue their upward trajectory the way they did in 2018. On the other hand, the player is favored in these types of extension offers through a bit of security should they experience injuries or the typical ups and downs in one’s early career.
This type of cost certainty can also give the team clarity about the future of their finances.
Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that Colorado has “discussed potential long-term deals with a number of their young starters”
If the Nola and Severino contracts are indeed a fair cross comparison, it is absolutely something the Rockies can afford.
With all the talk this offseason about the possibility of a Nolan Arenado extension, it may have gotten a bit lost that Colorado has very little on the books for 2020 and beyond.
The Rockies can solidify a core of the future by locking in a few players and announce a clear path where the longterm future lies.
Not to be outdone, the Minnesota Twins extended two of their own, outfielder Max Kepler and shortstop Jorge Polanco, tying up each player for five seasons and over $60 million combined.
So, you can absolutely add Trevor Story’s name to this equation as well, though the fact that he has already reached arbitration might make it slightly more difficult since he projects to make a bit more money.
Whatever the specifics, I would not be at all surprised based on Bridich’s answer in December and recent movement around the league to see a string of announcements coming soon, especially if the Rockies can get Arenado locked up.
Whether that is the first or last step, it makes sense that an agreement with Arenado would be paired with these extensions as each deal further clarifies the budget.
It remains to be seen whether these bits of potential news will assuage fans who are frustrated with low-transaction offseason.
But there will almost certainly be a renewed sense of energy and optimism if the Colorado Rockies can begin their most promising season ever with an unambiguous and steadfast declaration of their central identity for years to come.
