Colorado Rockies: Looking for the next extension candidate
The Colorado Rockies locked up Nolan Arenado with an eight year extension on Tuesday. Who might be the next candidate for an extension with the franchise?
The Colorado Rockies and Nolan Arenado had a mutual interest in getting an extension done. Given the status of free agency, and the length of time it has taken for some of the top players to receive a contract, it is understandable that Arenado would look to avoid such a fate. For the Rockies, after seeing what Manny Machado had signed for, it was understandable that they would want to lock in their own stellar third baseman before he had a chance to test the open market.
Now that Arenado is locked in for the next eight years, the next question comes down to who the Rockies will extend next. The Rockies do not have any major free agents after the 2019 campaign, so those extension talks may be quiet during the season.
However, in the next few years, the Rockies will see several possible cornerstones of the franchise approaching free agency. Even if that time will come in another two or three years, or possibly even longer, it may behoove the Rockies to consider having that conversation now.
Who could the Colorado Rockies target for an extension? Let’s take a look at a couple of candidates.
Under team control through 2021, Jon Gray had a rough season in 2018 for the Colorado Rockies. That performance could make this the perfect time to look for an extension.
In 2017, Gray looked like a potential ace in the making. He had posted a 3.67 ERA and a 1.296 WHiP in the abbreviated season, as he made only 20 starts on the year due to a broken bone in his foot. However, he pitched well after his return, appearing to be the top of the rotation arm that the Rockies had desperately sought.
Last year was a disaster. While Gray was healthy, he sputtered throughout the season, even earning a trip down to AAA due to his struggles. Overall, Gray posted a 5.12 ERA and a 1.346 WHiP, despite striking out 183 batters against 52 walks in 172.1 innings.
Advanced metrics paint a far rosier picture for Gray’s performance last season, as he posted a 4.08 FIP, leading to the hope that he can rebound for the coming season. That hope, coupled with his struggles last season, could lead to a rather cost effective extension for the Rockies, should Gray and his representation be willing to engage in conversation.
Jon Gray looked like a possible ace for the Colorado Rockies. If he rebounds this season, he could be that ace for the foreseeable future.
Although he has only been in the majors for two full seasons, German Marquez may be the ace of the Colorado Rockies.
He had an impressive season as a 22 year old rookie in 2017. Undaunted by Coors Field, Marquez posted a 4.39 ERA and a 1.377 WHiP, striking out 147 batters against 49 walks in his 162 innings. Marquez finished fifth in the NL Rookie of the Year vote, a respectable showing for a Rockies pitcher.
Last year was his coming out party. Marquez took a major step forward, establishing himself as one of the top young pitchers in the game. He posted a 14-11 record, with a solid 3.77 ERA and a 1.204 WHiP. Over his 196 innings, Marquez struck out 230 batters with just 57 walks. As impressive as that performance was, Marquez may only get better.
Considering how he has pitched thus far in his major league career, it may behoove the Rockies to lock Marquez up before he takes the next step in his breakout. Although he is under team control through 2022, and is not yet eligible for arbitration, the Rockies should still look into that deal. It would not only provide cost certainty, but could let them lock in a solid young pitcher at a potential bargain.
German Marquez may be the key pitcher for the Colorado Rockies rotation for the next few years. An extension would make sure he stays in town.
Trevor Story burst onto the scene for the Colorado Rockies as a rookie in 2016, belting six homers in his first four games of the season. A star appeared to have born before our eyes.
While Story was unable to continue at that pace, he continued to establish himself as one of the premier power hitters at short. While he struck out frequently, Story was still a key part of the Rockies lineup, a power hitter whose ability to punish a baseball made him one of the bright young stars in the game.
Last season, Story had a true breakout campaign. He made his first All Star Game, posting a .291/.348/.567 batting line, hitting 42 doubles, 37 homers, and stealing 27 bases. He became the first shortstop in MLB history with a season of 40+ doubles, 30+ homers, and 25+ steals in the same year.
As his star is continuing to ascend, Story is the type of player that the Rockies should look to extend. Not only would he provide an excellent one-two punch with Arenado for years to come, but his excellent defense at short would be a boost for the Rockies pitching staff.
Trevor Story is on the cusp of becoming a superstar. The Colorado Rockies might be able to keep him in the fold for a relative bargain if they act sooner rather than later.
Even though Garrett Hampson has just 48 major league plate appearances at this point in his career, the Colorado Rockies could look to lock him into a long term deal.
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Such a move is not unprecedented around the league. Teams are signing their younger players and top prospects to extensions shortly after their major league debuts, giving each team cost certainty while handing the player a guaranteed payout.
Such a move may be prudent when it comes to Hampson. Considered a top 100 prospect by both Baseball Prospectus and Baseball America, he produced a .311/.382/.462 batting line with 10 homers and 36 steals between AA and AAA last season. In his brief trial in the majors, Hampson had a .275/.396/.400 batting line with three doubles and two steals in 48 plate appearances.
Hampson may not have a spot on the Opening Day roster, as the Rockies will have a battle for the second base position. However, he appears to be a key part of their future, a player with a bit of power and excellent speed that could remain atop their lineup. Even though free agency is a long way away, Hampson could be a candidate for an extension.
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The Colorado Rockies have some key players to their future getting closer to free agency. It may be time to start to lock that core up.