The story on Trevor Story: Why the Rockies must keep their lone piece of momentum

The lower evaluation would benefit the Rockies, if they plan on extending him.

Each of the three infielders projected to make more than Story are younger and have posted a higher career Wins Above Replacement (WAR).

The projection’s good news comes in the low figure in both years and monetary value of Story’s deal – at least where the Rockies are concerned. Nolan Arenado signed an 8-year, $260 million deal before the 2019 season, leaving the club with a lofty total on their books already. Between the two, if the projections hold, the Rockies would be paying Arenado and Story a combined $62 million each year.

Last year, the Rockies’ payroll settled at a mere $67 million due to prorated salaries and a shortened season. In 2019, they finished at $157 million – good for 11th in the majors. Each year, owner Dick Monfort has long expressed an interest to increase the payroll incrementally.

If the team skips payroll growth in 2021, courtesy of a pandemic which sapped several teams of revenue, then the 2022 payroll figures to be around $180-190 million. For conservative purposes, we’ll use the lower total.

At $180 million, $62 million being paid to Arenado and Story would leave the team with roughly $118 million to spare. Add in Charlie Blackmon’s player option at $21 million and German Marquez’ $15 million from his recent extension and you’re at $82 million.

David Dahl and Kyle Freeland’s second-to-last year of arbitration will also be in effect. The pair figures to settle around $25-30 million combined with a good 2021 season.

The Rockies are in a spot clubs would usually love: A pair of stars, both in their primes, willing to play for a team who has failed to live up to expectations in either of the last two campaigns.

They should love it too.