Colorado Rockies: Will Coors Field keep Nolan Arenado out of Cooperstown?
Nolan Arenado signed an eight year extension with the Colorado Rockies. What does that mean for his Hall of Fame chances?
This offseason, the Colorado Rockies locked down superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado with a huge, eight-year, $260 million extension, which was the world’s seventh-largest sports contract. This will keep Arenado in a Rockies’ uniform through 2026, his age 35 season.
The 27-year old has been off to a fantastic start to his career. A four-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and has led the National League in home runs three times. He has been arguably the best hitter in the National League since 2015, when he hit 42 home runs and 130 RBI. The first half of the young third baseman’s career has been beyond impressive.
It is safe to say that Arenado is making a good case for the Hall of Fame. His production on both sides of the field make him such a valuable player. He has won the Gold Glove at the hot corner every season since he debuted in 2013, six times. His defense puts him in his own class. Leading all qualified N.L. third baseman in Defensive Wins Above Replacement since joining the league, not only is he the best defensive hot corner in the NL but he looks to continue his defensive reign for the next few seasons.
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When it is time to consider putting Arenado on your Hall of Fame ballot, Coors Field will notoriously impact his legacy like it has for other long-time Rockies like Todd Helton and Hall-of-Famer Larry Walker.
Voters will vote no to Arenado because his home ballpark is too easy to hit in. Coors Field is a slugger’s best friend. There was a scary, but true, relationship between Arenado and where he played. His batting average at home was nearly .100 points higher than it is away. Since 2016, he has hit 49 home runs on the road, showing that his power is there regardless of the ballpark This shows the Coors Field bias that he plays in. To no fault of his own, his own park will be used against him when the time to have his Hall of Fame talk comes.
If he stays on pace offensively, Arenado should have at least 400 home runs by the end of his career, possibly more depending on how well he produces over his contract. The offensive stats will be there when the time comes, hopefully he continues to pick up Sliver Sluggers and Gold Gloves as well. If Arenado really wants to incorporate himself into the conversation, he needs to lead the Rockies to the playoffs continuously and win a N.L. Most Valuable Player Award.
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Due to his ability to dominate defensively, Nolan Arenado will eventually make it to Cooperstown. He needs four more seasons to qualify, but if he continues to perform at the caliber he is, Arenado will make it with a Colorado Rockies hat on his head.