The Colorado Rockies have reportedly made an unusually big splash in free agency. According to multiple media reports, Colorado has signed veteran infielder Ian Desmond to a multi-year contract.
Sources: Ian Desmond to #Rockies.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2016
The deal is said to be worth $70 million over five seasons.
Desmond, 31, is coming off a career-best 2016 season that saw him hit .285 with 22 homers and 86 RBI for the Texas Rangers. It was Desmond’s only season in Texas after spending parts of seven with the Washington Nationals.
Needless to say, Desmond will benefit from playing at the high altitude of Coors Field. More than anything outside of the potential for a big payday, this is likely one of the primary reasons he decided to sign with the Rockies.
The veteran is expected to play first base and the outfield.
As it relates to the Rockies, this deal didn’t come without a high cost. The team will forfeit the No. 11 overall pick in the upcoming 2017 MLB Draft. They better hope Desmond is up to performing at a high level here.