The Colorado Rockies have avoided arbitration with second baseman DJ LeMahieu on Wednesday and are keeping their tabs on free-agent shortstop Ian Desmond, according to the latest news and reports.
LeMahieu, who is in his first year of arbitration eligibility, agreed to a two-year, $7.8 million contract with the Rockies, reports MLB Network's Jon Heyman. The 27-year-old will make $3 million in 2016 and $4.8 million in 2017, Heyman adds.
The Rockies confirmed the news shortly after the report.
The #Rockies have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with INF DJ LeMahieu to avoid arbitration. pic.twitter.com/2knHeS5y9v
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) February 17, 2016
The former second-round pick enjoyed a breakout season in 2015. He was named to the NL All-Star team and batted .301/.358/.388 with 85 runs scored, 6 home runs, 61 RBI and 23 stolen bases in 150 games. LeMahieu filed for a $3.3 million salary in 2016 and the Rockies countered with $2.8 million.
MLBTradeRumors.com projected the second baseman to make $3.7 million in his first year of arbitration, which was higher than both proposed salaries.
The Rockies have no more arbitration cases to settle this offseason.
However, they could have a problem at the shortstop position. Jose Reyes is facing a suspension stemming from a domestic abuse charge earlier in the offseason. The veteran pleaded not guilty to the charge and will stand trial on April 4, but the MLB could make a ruling much sooner in order to possibly avoid backlash if Reyes were to take the field with pending domestic abuse charges.
As a result, rumors have linked them to Desmond, who is still a free agent despite being one of the top shortstops in the MLB.
"The Rockies have been in contact with Desmond's representatives, major-league sources say, but any pursuit of the shortstop likely will be linked to baseball's decision on Reyes, who would lose a prorated portion of his $22 million salary if he's suspended," writes FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
It's unknown why type of contract Desmond is looking for, but he's gone this far without signing a deal so it's possible the Rockies can get him on the cheaper side. However, if that's the case, they'll have to surrender the No. 38 overall pick in the upcoming MLB Draft since Desmond rejected the Washington Nationals' qualifying offer.
Prospect Trevor Story could also be an option to fill in for Reyes, but he's played in only 61 games above Double-A and could use some more development before taking over at shortstop full-time.
Desmond would help Colorado compete in the short-term and he could rebuild his value for the 2017 offseason (assuming he signs a one-year deal) with a good year at the hitter-friendly Coors Field.
Stay tuned for updates on both fronts.
