Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon discusses his contract situation

During designated time with the media, including Rox Pile, on Saturday morning at Coors Field, Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies discussed his contract situation and the looming decision faced by the Rockies with their All-Star outfielder.

Blackmon recently settled prior to arbitration on a one-year, $14 million contract. That is nearly double the one-year contract, again to avoid arbitration, signed by Blackmon for the 2017 season at $7.3 million. The boost was well deserved after Blackmon recorded a campaign for the record books from the leadoff spot last season, including a league-leading .331 batting average, 37 home runs, 104 RBI and 137 runs scored.

Beginning in 2014, Blackmon has only signed one-year contracts with the Rockies for each of the next five seasons. That “one season at a time” mantra is something that the 31-year-old outfielder has become used to during his career and says it has prepared him to deal with any potential distractions heading into this season.

“I really like playing here. It’s been a great place to be,” Blackmon said. “I like the people. I like the teammates. And I’ve also been on a one-year situation for the past three to four years, so it doesn’t really change anything for me. I’m used to that ‘go out and produce’ mindset. Hopefully, something happens. That would be great.”

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That “something” happening would be a long-term contract, something that Blackmon will likely looking from the Rockies or another Major League team with him scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. We estimated that that could be around $20 million per season using this formula.

While the contract situation could potentially become a distraction, Blackmon stated he doesn’t believe that will be the case.

“I don’t plan to let that get in the way of me playing baseball,” Blackmon said. “I don’t plan to be thinking about that during the season. That’s my time to work. I don’t want to be distracted.”

Does Blackmon think it’s still possible that a long-term contract could be offered by the Rockies before the season begins?

“Sure, I think it’s possible. I think that happens to a lot of players. They sign a one-year contract in arbitration and then sign an extension maybe some time in spring training. That’s happened quite a few times.”

Blackmon’s situation is one of several high-profile and high-priced contracts that the Rockies will potentially be dealing with over the next two seasons. All-Star second baseman DJ LeMahieu is also scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2018 season while All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado is signed through the 2019 season.

Next: We look back at some of the best plays of the 2017 season

How will the Rockies designate their resources with all of those players deserving of long-term deals? How that question is answered could well reshape the face of the franchise heading into the future.