Colorado Rockies fans already getting a glimpse of next offseason?

Can what is going on right now in Major League Baseball be an ominous sign for what is to come with the Colorado Rockies and their fans following the 2019 season?

Maybe ominous isn’t the right word here, but watching what is happening with Washington Nationals fans and Bryce Harper could mirror exactly what Colorado Rockies fans could endure next season when Nolan Arenado potentially tests the free agent market.

Every morning, we wake up to a new rumor or new thought on where Harper might land. It seems as if the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and the Nationals have all taken turns being “the favorite” to land Harper in time for next season. Which team actually lands Harper could be determined by how much that team is willing to pay and for how long. Rumors of a 10-year deal worth more than $300 million have been floated out there.

What we are seeing every day with Harper now could be what we see with Arenado next season. If he doesn’t re-sign with the Rockies during this season, the 27-year-old Arenado will be the key name in next year’s free agent class and the teams who don’t pay for Manny Machado or Harper this offseason will very much be in the running for Arenado’s services in 2019 and beyond. He will also be the everyday subject of rumors and prognostications.

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Arenado is the face of the Colorado franchise much like Harper is the face of the Nationals. Arenado is also due a big payday for his on-field performance, much like Harper.

If Arenado’s camp and the Rockies can’t come to an agreement this season, be prepared for plenty of “what ifs” and “what could happens” swirling around Arenado as the trade deadline nears and the season wraps up. It could very well happen, just like we’ve seen with Harper in recent weeks.

Keep an eye on what happens with Harper this offseason (and Machado as well, of course). Their fates could well determine Arenado’s payment threshold next offseason. It could also determine exactly how many antacids Rockies fans may have to consume as they wait to see if Arenado is still in a Colorado uniform in 2019 and beyond.