Rockies’ Nolan Arenado headed for record arbitration salary
Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado is well on his way to a record salary via the arbitration process.
Arenado and the Rockies swapped figures on Friday, with the third baseman asking for $30 million and the team offering $24 million, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Even if the Rockies were to win proceedings, the $24 million salary would still set a new record for an arbitration-eligible player, surpassing the $23 million figure the Blue Jays and Josh Donaldson settled on prior to 2018.
Nolan Arenado asked for a record $30 million in arbitration. The #Rockies offered $24 million.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 11, 2019
Even at the #Rockies’ number, Arenado would set a record for the highest salary ever in arbitration. https://t.co/NlTJlzUNVy
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 11, 2019
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, it is likely that the two sides will settle before going to a hearing, placing the record figure somewhere between the two.
There is a strong sense that Nolan Arenado will not go to an arbitration trial with the Colorado Rockies, league sources tell ESPN. Arenado requested $30 million. The Rockies offered $24 million. Wherever he does settle — and it's very likely — it'll be a single-season record.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 11, 2019
Arenado hit .297 with 38 home runs last season, a year in which he made $17.75 million. It’s plausible that he could also break the record for the biggest raise to come from arbitration, also set earlier this offseason, though that one might be a bit tougher.