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Colorado Rockies: The six players under the most pressure in 2019

By Kevin Henry

ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 17: Bryan Shaw #29 of the Colorado Rockies leaves the mound after pitching against the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 17, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers won 13-12. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 17: Bryan Shaw #29 of the Colorado Rockies leaves the mound after pitching against the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 17, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers won 13-12. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 10: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after striking out in the first inning of a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field on September 10, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 10: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after striking out in the first inning of a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field on September 10, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Nolan Arenado
2018 stats: .297/.374/.561 (590 at-bats, 5.6 WAR)

Colorado’s All-Star third baseman will face something in 2019 that he has never faced before: A season where his playing future is being bantered about by fans and media members alike.

This will be the last season the Rockies are guaranteed to have Arenado’s services at third base. Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich has said that the sides are discussing a new contract and that new deal could make Arenado one of the game’s highest-paid players.

But what if the negotiations aren’t done before spring training? Questions will swirl about regarding Arenado’s future throughout the season. However, Colorado manager Bud Black thinks Arenado will be able to shut out the noise.

"“I don’t think so,” Black told Rox Pile and other media members in Las Vegas when asked about if Arenado would be distracted by contract talks. “I truly think that the best place for him all the time is on the field. That’s where he feels most comfortable. And I think that will continue to happen. I think his performance will be fine.”"

Next. Watch the top 10 defensive plays of Nolan's career (so far). dark

But no one knows for sure since Arenado, who came up through the Rockies farm system, has never faced this situation before. If Arenado doesn’t plan to return to the Rockies, next season could be an audition for other teams who would be interested in signing him. It’s just another wrinkle in what could be a very interesting and pressure-filled season ahead.

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