Rox, McMahon agree on 6-year extension
Jesse Sanchez
@JesseSanchezMLBPEORIA, Ariz. -- The Rockies added another piece to their franchise¡¯s foundation on Monday by agreeing to terms with versatile infielder Ryan McMahon on a six-year contract extension through the 2027 season. Terms of the deal were not announced, but a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand that it was worth $70 million.
The extension comes three days after the club signed Kris Bryant to a seven-year deal, and more moves could be on the way. Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt said he has not ruled out anything before the start of the season.
¡°I think there's quality pieces here,¡± Schmidt said. ¡°We don't have all we need, but there's quality pieces. Let's tie them up and move forward.¡±
McMahon's extension, which will buy out his final two years of team control and keep the 27-year-old in Colorado until 2027, is another clear commitment from the Rockies to their homegrown infield. (Bryant will be manning left field primarily in 2022.)
McMahon, who was originally approached about a contract extension during the fall before the lockout, said it¡¯s something he thought about a lot until play resumed.
¡°I think that whole time gave me a lot of clarity because I've had weeks to think about it,¡± McMahon said. ¡°It was something that was pretty consistent and how I was thinking. So, yeah, it was probably a blessing in disguise.¡±
Per a source, McMahon can opt out following the 2025 season with a top-five MVP finish in any year from 2022-24. McMahon can opt out after 2026 with a top-five MVP showing in 2025.
¡°I'm honestly really excited to be in Denver for the next six years,¡± McMahon said. ¡°The organization means a lot to me. These are people I've grown up with since the time I was 18. Adding Kris Bryant and the buzz around the clubhouse feels like?where we're headed is a really good thing.¡±
McMahon, who was in his second year of eligibility for salary arbitration this offseason, has played all over the infield in parts of five seasons with the Rockies, but his bat has also been impressive, with 23 homers and 86 RBIs over 151 games last season. After playing mostly second base in his first full season in 2019, he shifted to third with the departure of Nolan Arenado last year, making only five errors in 113 games at the position.
¡°I'm excited for [McMahon] and his family, but also the ballclub,¡± Schmidt said. ¡°With him and Kris, there is a pretty good foundation and two pretty good hitters. We think there is still tremendous upside with Ryan.¡±
For his part, McMahon understands the leadership responsibilities that come with new contract. He also knows he is part of a clubhouse full of leaders.
¡°I'm just going to keep doing what I do,¡± McMahon said. ¡°I'm going to try to always be the best teammate I can be and go try it and play some good baseball.¡±
That¡¯s two big deals for the Rockies in three days. Could starting pitcher Kyle Freeland be next?
¡°We love Kyle. We will see what happens,¡± Schmidt said. ¡°Each brings their own story. We will see how it plays out.¡±