Colorado Rockies make right call with Charlie Blackmon extension

DENVER — There hasn’t been much that has gone right this season for the Colorado Rockies, but the decision by the franchise to bring back Charlie Blackmon for a 13th campaign in 2024 is certainly among the moments that brought joy to 20th and Blake.

On Friday night, in the first inning of their interleague series against the Minnesota Twins, the Rockies announced that the 37-year-old Blackmon had inked a one-year extension to stay in Colorado. FanSided’s MLB insider, Robert Murray, reported that the deal was for $13 million with $2 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances.

With extension, Charlie Blackmon will have mentor role for Colorado Rockies in 2024

Blackmon missed nearly two months of this season with a fractured hand after he was hit by a pitch in early June. However, since returning, Blackmon has been a force at the plate, including going 8-for-18 (.444) with three doubles and one home run through his last four games, including Friday night when Blackmon was given a rousing ovation by his teammates and the fans in attendance after the extension announcement.

“I’m really happy to have the opportunity to come back next year,” Blackmon said. “I don’t really think I could have pictured it any other way, any other place. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity.”

Blackmon will be leaned upon as a leader and mentor for a young Rockies core that includes outfielder Nolan Jones, who is making a charge up the NL Rookie of the Year boards with his recent play. The Rockies will look to rebound from their first 100-loss season in franchise history, with Blackmon as a key part of the plans in the clubhouse and batting order.

“Charlie wants to be here,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “He wants to be part of the solution here in the next year.

“Charlie’s been such a rock for this franchise.”

That in of itself is a big reason why Blackmon, selected in the second round of the 2008 MLB draft by Colorado, and the Rockies agreed to dance together for one more season, a campaign where the man known as Chuck Nazty will continue to be the face of a franchise that is looking to get back to the postseason for the first time since the 2018 season.

By reupping with Blackmon, the Rockies made a business decision that resonated well with their fans and the players who will join him in trying to rebuild Colorado into a winner. All around, it’s a deal that makes sense.