Colorado Rockies cannot pay Trevor Story because Nolan Arenado

It is seemingly mind boggling that the Colorado Rockies have yet to reach out to their last remaining superstar about an extension. However, that is the case, as the Rockies have yet to speak to shortstop Trevor Story about an extension, another misstep in a series of confounding decisions by their front office.

But at least we know why. The Rockies have yet to engage Story because they do not have any money for such a deal.

Colorado Rockies cannot pay Trevor Story because of Nolan Arenado

This statement certainly seems odd. The Rockies have not signed a major league free agent since Daniel Murphy on December 21, 2018. Their payroll is just over $81 million, 19th in the majors and just behind the Royals, who are not exactly a team known for breaking the bank.

Instead, the answer has to do with a player no longer on the roster. The Rockies paid the St. Louis Cardinals to completely rip them off for Nolan Arenado, sending $50 million away as part of that disappointing trade. $15 million will be sent to the Cardinals this year, money that theoretically is keeping the team from talking about an extension with Story.

Arenado’s contract would have been an excuse as to why Story had yet to receive an extension even if he was still in Colorado. The front office would have bemoaned the $214 million still due to him had he remained on the roster, making him a convenient scapegoat for they their hands are tied.

To be fair, one has to wonder if Story even wants to be a part of the Rockies at this point. The front office likely did not do themselves any favors with an extension with how they treated Arenado before shoving him out the door. Ownership also fully supports the front office, saying that no one is getting fired or is in jeopardy of losing their job. But this could be a moot point anyway.

The Colorado Rockies are claiming that they do not have the funds to pay Trevor Story. Somehow, this is Nolan Arenado’s fault as well.