Colorado Rockies sign Charlie Blackmon to long-term contract

Colorado Rockies fans, you can plan on seeing that famous beard in center field and in the Rockies dugout for seasons to come.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Rockies announced they had signed All-Star outfielder Charlie Blackmon to a six-year contract that includes two player options that could keep Chuck Nazty in a Rockies uniform through the 2023 campaign. Terms were not immediately disclosed by the club. However, reports have the figure at $108 million.

Blackmon, famous for his beard and making history from the leadoff spot, has become a Rockies fan favorite since first making his debut during the 2011 season. As his facial hair has grown, so has his prowess at the plate.

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The 31-year-old Blackmon ranks highly in a number of all-time Rockies categories, including third in franchise history in stolen bases, fourth in batting average (minimum 3,000 plate appearances), sixth in triples, seventh in runs scored and hits, 10^th in games played (769) and 11^th in doubles. He is also tied for 11^th in home runs and 12^th in RBI.

Last season, Blackmon was the National League batting champion and grabbed his second straight Silver Slugger Award, hitting a career-high .331. He totaled 103 RBI and 383 total bases from the leadoff position, with both marks setting new Major League records.

This year, Blackmon is picking up where he left off in 2017. Through five games, he is pacing the Rockies with four home runs and also has six RBI. His OPS is sitting at 1.462 heading into Wednesday night’s contest in San Diego against the Padres.

Blackmon was one of three key Rockies players with contract decisions looming over the next two seasons. All-Star second baseman DJ LeMahieu is scheduled to be a free agent at the conclusion of the 2018 season while All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado will be able to test free agency following the 2019 campaign.

Next: Charlie Blackmon tells us his baseball nightmare

Will Blackmon’s contract impact Colorado’s ability to keep one or both of their remaining All-Stars during upcoming negotiations? That will be one of the biggest questions facing the franchise moving forward.