The Colorado Rockies signed shortstop Ezquiel Tovar to a seven year, $63.5 million extension with a club option for 2031 that could bring the deal to $83 million.
The news was first reported by Daniel Alvarez-Montes of El Extrabase on March 24. The Colorado Rockies confirmed the news in a press release on March 26.
Tovar, 22, was called up to the Rockies on Sept. 23, 2022 and got his first hit that same night off San Diego Padres starting pitcher Sean Manaea. Tovar hit his first MLB home run against Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw on Oct. 5, 2022. His MLB stats in 2022 were one home run, two RBI, and an OPS of .590 in 32 at-bats. His batting average was .212 and he walked twice and struck out nine times.
In 2023, Tovar was the Rockies’ top-ranked prospect and 25th on MLB Pipeline’s top 100. Tovar had 15 home runs, 73 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 2023. His slashline was .253/.287/.408 in 581 at-bats. At shortstop, he made seven errors, had a fielding percentage of .988 in 153 games, and saved 13 runs.
“We are excited to be able to secure Ezequiel’s future in Denver with this extension,”Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt told MLB.com on March 26. “He has already proven he is one of the best shortstops in baseball, and we see him as a cornerstone of this franchise for years to come.”
Tovar’s deal supersedes a one-year contract agreed to Feb. 29 that called for a $745,000 salary while in the major leagues and $361,000 while in the minors.
“He has already proven he is one of the best shortstops in baseball, and we see him as a cornerstone of this franchise for years to come,” Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt said in a statement.
In 2022, Tovar started the season with the Rockies Double-A affiliate, the Hartford Yard Goats. Tovar played 66 games for the Hartford Yard Goats. He had 15 home runs, 47 RBI, and 17 stolen bases. His slash line was .318/.386/.546 in 264 at-bats.
Tovar got promoted to their Triple-A affiliate, Albuquerque Isotopes on Sept. 15, and played five games there before his MLB promotion. He had one home run, two RBI, and an OPS of .868 in 21 at-bats.
The Rockies now have a homegrown talent locked up for at least the next seven years. The Rockies went 59-103 and finished last in the National League West division. Tovar will look to help lead their rebuild.
Their regular season begins on March 28 against the defending NL champion Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field at 7:10 p.m. EST.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.