BSN Exclusive: What teammates say is more special than Márquez' arm

On Saturday, when the press piled into the media room beneath Coors Field, they shared the space with several of German Márquez’ teammates and coaches, including Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story, and Tony Wolters.

GM Jeff Bridich started the press conference with praise for his young hurler and acknowledged the impetus for a long-term marriage between the two parties.

“It’s something we’ve been talking about loosely for a while,” Bridich informed the audience. “We’re very happy for German and his family. I think it’s a wonderful statement for them and a great statement for our organization.”

In 2018, Márquez asserted himself over 33 starts, posting a 3.77 ERA and setting the franchise record for strikeouts in a single season with 230.

The five-year, $43 million contract – which could rise to as much as six years, $58.5 million – gives the Rockies cost certainty for one of the most important pitchers in their rotation.

“First of all, I want to thank God for this opportunity, my teammates, Colorado, and Denver,” Márquez said through the use of an interpreter, Aaron Muñoz, who also serves as the bullpen catcher. “I’m grateful for this next chapter in my life, especially for the next five or six years. Very grateful.”

Teammates were quick to heap the praise upon the 24-year-old who has given up just one earned run in his two starts this season, but not necessarily for his contributions on the field.

“He’s a very genuine human being and that’s what makes this day so special,” shared batterymate Wolters.

Wolters and the Little Whip have famously worked very closely with each other over the last two years, developing a tight-knit bond that has been pivotal to getting the most out of both of them.

His admiration for his teammate and friend shone through all day as Wolters also made a point of what a remarkable family man Marquez is. “Everything he does is for his family. And that’s what we all want. That’s why we do this and he brings that passion to the park.”

Ian Desmond seconded the point about the character of the Venezuelan hurler, adding, “Being in the clubhouse with him, watching him mature, knowing who he is as a man, that’s what’s special. Everything he does on the field is obviously icing on top of that, which is also very special.”

Charlie Blackmon appreciates the completeness of the repertoire of the young man who also collected his first Silver Slugger just a few hours after making his new deal official. “He’s an incredible athlete. It helps him pitch but he can also hit and field,” Blackmon said, “To do what he’s done at that young of an age, that’s something special.”

Márquez knows that his contract is based around the solid production he’s provided the Rockies for the past two seasons and for what he can continue to do moving forward.

“I want to say that I’ll continue my hard work,” he went on to say. “The goal has always been to win a championship here. I look forward to this opportunity.”