Seven bold predictions for the National League West in 2018

Speaking of Nolan Arenado, my next bold prediction is that the Colorado Rockies will lock up Arenado with a long-term extension by the time this season is over. I talked about how now was the perfect time to start the talks with the current face of the Rockies franchise. I believe Colorado will take advantage of the situation (as I discussed in this article) and make sure Arenado doesn’t hit the free agent market next offseason.

Honestly, the worst thing that could happen in Colorado is that Charlie Blackmon leaves after this season and DJ LeMahieu goes along as well. With Carlos Gonzalez on a one-year contract, those are some big departures in the clubhouse with Arenado’s contract set to expire after the 2019 season.

Colorado has young talent waiting to take their turn in the lineup, including Ryan McMahon, Raimel Tapia, David Dahl, Mike Tauchman and others. These young players will need someone like an Arenado in the clubhouse as the cornerstone of the franchise moving forward. Fans will also need to see that these young players have a veteran leader to follow. That player is Arenado.

There are few talents like Arenado in the game today, at the plate or in the field. His work ethic and dedication to playing every day is an example to be followed. He’s the type of player you want to have on your team. Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich will make the right call this season and ink Arenado to a long-term, massive deal.

How much could that be? We talked numbers in this article.