Colorado Rockies: Comparing Nolan Arenado’s value to the other big three

DENVER, CO – JULY 15: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies fields a ground ball at third base in the first inning during game two of a doubleheader against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on July 15, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

If the 2019 season taught us anything, it’s that $1.32 billion does not equal a guaranteed spot in the playoffs. That is a lesson the Colorado Rockies, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Angels learned the hard way.

The $1.32 billion is the total combined contracts these four teams shelled out for Nolan Arenado, Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, and Mike Trout last offseason. However, these teams ended the season a combined 60 games under .500, with the Phillies leading the way with a meager 81-81 record. With the lackluster performances in the standings, it begs this question: Which team has received the best return on their investment so far after one season?

Nolan Arenado — 8 years/$260 Million

Standard Batting
Year	Age	Tm	Lg	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	OPS+	TB	GDP	HBP	SH	SF	IBB
2019	28	COL	NL	155	662	588	102	185	31	2	41	118	3	2	62	93	.315	.379	.583	.962	129	343	14	4	0	8	11

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Arenado had arguably his best season in his seven-year career. He had career highs in batting average and OPS while striking out 29 fewer times than the previous season. He also provided his typical production numbers in home runs and RBI and should receive his sixth consecutive Gold Glove. Unfortunately, the Rockies pitching was atrocious, causing a 20-game difference in the win column from 2018.

If the 2019 season taught us anything, it’s that $1.32 billion does not equal a guaranteed spot in the playoffs. That is a lesson the Colorado Rockies, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Angels learned the hard way.

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