Colorado Rockies yet to come to agreement with Jon Gray

Jon Gray is a somewhat unique being when it comes to the Colorado Rockies and free agency – he actually wants to work out an extension with the team. The Rockies are interested in bringing back their nominal ace as well, hoping to get a deal done before he reaches free agency.

However, nothing has happened on that front just yet. According to reports, Gray had rejected the Rockies latest extension offer which was made before the end of the regular season.

Colorado Rockies hoping to keep Jon Gray around

As it is, the Rockies can keep Gray with the Qualifying Offer, something that he would likely accept. Since the QO is worth $18.4 million, and Gray is projected to receive a contract in the three to four year range and worth approximately $10 million a year, it is an obvious move to take that dramatic overpay for the 2022 season.

Gray would certainly attract interest in free agency, although that may be muted if the QO is attached. He produced a respectable 4.59 ERA and a 1.329 WHiP in his 149 innings in 2021, striking out 157 batters with 58 walks.

Those numbers could certainly improve away from Colorado. That projected contract could end up being a bargain as Gray is finally able to play the vast majority of the season away from the thin air of Coors Field. It would not be unreasonable for a larger market team to target him as a back of the rotation arm, giving him a chance to play on a contending franchise.

But Gray is an important part of the Rockies. They have gone out of their way to begin locking in pieces for the future, identifying those members of the roster that they consider as essential to their success. A pitcher such as Gray would certainly fit that description. But they need to find a way to get the financials to match up.

The Colorado Rockies want to keep Jon Gray for the long term. While there is mutual interest, the two sides have been able to match on a deal.