Colorado Rockies: How much will it take to keep Charlie Blackmon?

Certainly the Rockies will not pay Blackmon anywhere near what Trout is making. However, it’s very likely that he will be asking for a range that puts him in the top three or four in the category.

Blackmon will turn 32 on July 1 and roaming the vast expanses of Coors Field from the center field position is no easy task. Can the Rockies afford to pay a big payday to keep a player in center field who is well loved by the fans and keeps producing, but is also getting older? That is the main question facing Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich right now.

Additionally, the Rockies are also facing contract negotiations with All-Star second baseman DJ LeMahieu (who becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2018 season) and All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado (who becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2019 season). Paying Blackmon a large contract could well have a ripple effect when it comes to negotiating with these two younger players (LeMahieu will be 29 when the season begins while Arenado will be 26 and truly entering the prime of his career).

If the Rockies choose to throw a long-term contract toward Blackmon, it will likely need to be in the neighborhood of $20 million per season. Using this thought process, a three-year contract worth $60 million is logical and would keep Blackmon with the Rockies through the 2021 season when he would turn 35.

Next: Did the Rockies jump over the Diamondbacks with their offseason moves?

There is a lot at play when it comes to Blackmon’s future in Colorado. There is no question he is worth the big contract. However, it would set off a ripple effect that could be felt for years to come.