SAN DIEGO -- The friend in Nolan Arenado is ecstatic that Charlie Blackmon has a new contract that keeps the center fielder with the Rockies through 2023 -- even if the businessman in Arenado knows Blackmon's deal has nothing to do with himself.
That was a theme in the Rockies' clubhouse, where several players set their own potential contract situations aside to rejoice about Blackmon, who signed a six-year deal, including two player options, on Wednesday.
"He's above-average in every category, when it comes to friends and a baseball player," Arenado said. "He's been a great person for me. I've known him for a long time, and to see someone go through every little step and make it to this point, where he can get a big deal like that, he's come a long way."
But Arenado, who is in the final season of a two-year, $29.5 million contract, realizes his negotiation is his own. As a businessman, Arenado said, "I'm just happy for Chuck. It's about him. It's not about me. I didn't really put me and him together with it. I was just thinking about Charlie."
Second baseman DJ LeMahieu entered the year like Blackmon -- eligible for free agency after the season. In both cases, the Rockies have prospects at their positions. While the Rockies have decided that the young players will have to find a way into the outfield with Blackmon sticking around, LeMahieu said, "I don't think there will be" movement toward an extension of his own.
"He's a great player," said LeMahieu, who is playing for one year at $8.5 million. "Hard work pays off, and he was rewarded with a really good contract."
Before last season, right fielder Carlos Gonzalez turned down an offer from the Rockies reportedly worth three years and $45 million. After not attracting a lucrative offer, he re-signed with the Rockies for one year at $8 million. But Gonzalez had no regrets because he wanted to "see what it's like. I got an offer from the Rockies, I didn't take it and I'm still here, so not much changed."
So Gonzalez discussed Blackmon's extension strictly as a deserved reward for a teammate.
"He cares about others, tries to make sure he can help you in any way he can," Gonzalez said. "He's a quiet guy. He pays attention to the little details. I'm really happy for him."
Shortstop Trevor Story is in his third season, which means his arbitration eligibility begins after this year, and he won't be a free agent until after the 2021 season. Unless he and the Rockies agree to something early, he's a long way from a big contract.
"I don't look too far ahead at all," Story said. "All that stuff's great, but you don't get that stuff by worrying about it. That's the way Chuck did it."