Rockies slugging third baseman Nolan Arenado recently switched agents and is now represented by Joel Wolfe of the Wasserman Media Group.
(David Zalubowski, The Associated Press)
When Rockies all-star third baseman Nolan Arenado recently confirmed to me that he was dropping Scott Boras as his agent and hooking up with , I immediately began thinking about what it meant for Arenado’s future with the Rockies.
Could the elimination of the powerful Boras mean a more favorable climate for a long-term deal between the Rockies and Arenado?
Arenado is first-time arbitration eligible this winter as a super-two, and he’s under the Rockies’ control through the 2019 season. I’m estimating that he will be looking at a $6-$6.5 million salary for the 2016 season.
While teaming with a new agency is no guarantee that the Rockies will sign Arenado to a long-term extension, it certainly won’t make it less likely. With the Boras in the picture, I thought there was no chance at all.
From what I have been told, there have been no talks between the Rockies and Arenado regarding an extension. Last week, I asked general manager Jeff Bridich if Arenado’s decision to switch agents alters the dynamics of Arenado’s future in Colorado.
“We never really had any sort of significant or substantive conversations with Scott (Boras) about that sort of scenario,” Bridich said. “To say that’s changed, I don’t really know. It’s tough to say that it’s changed.”
In my opinion, I don’t see the Rockies trading Arenado for pitching. He’s the club’s marquis player, especially now that Troy Tulowitzki is gone. I can’t imagine owner Dick Monfort ever signing off on a trade involving Arenado.
Bridich certainly sounds like he expects Arenado to be in a Rockies uniform for the foreseeable future.
“Obviously, we’re aware that Nolan is no longer with the Boras corporation,” Bridich said. “That’s his choice as an adult and he made it seemingly for reasons that are important to him. As long as he’s comfortable and confident in that decision, that’s great for him and his future career.
“For us … with our organization moving forward, in terms of business and otherwise, it’s kind of status quo. It’s kind of business as usual. We’re focused more on him winning another Gold Glove award and getting ready for next year more than anything else.”
Tags: Jeff Bridich, Nolan Arenado, Scott Boras
