© Ron Chenoy | 2018 Sep 30
Nolan Arenado is finalizing an eight-year contract extension worth $260 million with the Colorado Rockies, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The deal would give Arenado an annual average salary of $32.5 million, which would be the highest for a position player in MLB history.
The deal — which could keep Arenado on the Rockies through 2026 — includes a full no-trade clause and an opt out after the 2021 season. Arenado’s yearly salary will be the second highest in the majors behind Arizona’s Zach Greinke ($34.4 million). Manny Machado, who just signed a record-breaking 10-year, $300 million deal, will earn an average of $30 million annually.
The extension means that Arenado could continue his role as a Giants killer for a long time. In 107 career games against San Francisco, Arenado has a batting average of .300 with 24 homers, 91 RBIs, and an OPS of .930 in 426 at-bats. Arenado has also been stellar at Oracle Park, launching 10 home runs in 51 games while posting an OPS of .861.
In addition to being one of the best hitting third basemen in the majors, Arenado has won the Gold Glove in each of his six major league seasons.