The Rockies made a huge splash this week when they signed all-star, Gold Glove-winning, Silver Sluggin’, rocket-armed third baseman Nolan Arenado to an eight-year, $260 million contract.
Worth an average of $32.5 million annually, the deal is a record high for a position player. And it secures the 27-year-old Arenado — rated the best position player in the National League, according to Sports Illustrated — in Colorado’s lineup for years to come.
But the Rockies haven’t always made great deals. Some were amazing on paper but never panned out. Here’s a look at the worst contracts in Rockies history (and yes, it’s mostly pitchers):
Bottom of the barrel
Mike Hampton, 2000: Eight years, $121 million
The then 28-year-old starting pitcher looked like he was an absolute stud for Colorado through his first 10 starts: 7-1 record with a 2.