Mar 19, 2023; Summerlin, Nevada, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher German Marquez (48) throws against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning at Las Vegas Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
MLBBy Arthur Weinstein on

The Colorado Rockies are taking care of their long-time starter, Germán Márquez.

The Rockies announced Friday they have agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract extension with the 28-year-old right-hander.

That’s a small-potatoes contract in today’s game, but it’s notable because Márquez is injured. He underwent Tommy John surgery in May, and is expected to miss most of the 2024 season.

Then, of course, there is the risk that Márquez will not be the same pitcher when he returns.

It’s almost as if, in an era when so many teams are consumed with the business aspect of the sport, the Rockies did the heartfelt thing and offered Márquez a hand in his time of need. He had been set for free agency this offseason, which would have been an uncertain proposition given the TJ surgery.

So Márquez, who has a 65-56 record and 4.41 ERA in eight seasons in Denver, will return.

“Germán has been an integral part of the Rockies organization both on and off the field since his first Major League season in 2016,” GM Bill Schmidt said (via Harding). “We are excited to secure Germán’s future in Denver with this extension and can’t wait to see him back out on the mound.”

While some fans approved of the new deal, not all felt warm and fuzzy about the team investing in an injured pitcher.


[Thomas Harding, MLB.com]

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

View all posts by Arthur Weinstein