Nolan Arenado is happy to talk about anything these days — besides money.
The Colorado Rockies star third baseman made headlines when he signed a new $260 million contract that could keep him in Denver through 2026. The deal ended any speculation that Arenado may have ended up with another team. Now, his focus is on getting ready for Opening Day in a Rockies uniform.
The four-time All Star is with his teammates in Scottsdale, Ariz. for spring training. Arenado talked to CPR’s Vic Vela about the team’s outlook this season, and how Arenado is feeling now that the contract talk is over.
Interview Highlights
On his relationship with Colorado:
"I consider it my home away from home, you know? I claim southern California, ‘cause that’s where I was born, but I definitely take ownership of it in Colorado also. I love it, and I’ve been there for so long. I spend most of my time, most of my life, most of my months in Colorado, because of baseball season. I really love it. I enjoy it there, very comfortable. It felt good knowing that there’s an opportunity to be here for the rest of my career."
On moving past contract negotiations:
"I hate talking about money and I hate talking about myself, so I’m very happy that all that stuff’s over with."
On what the Rockies need to improve for the new season:
"I just think it’s just more consistency. Last year we weren't as consistent as we have been in the past offensively. Our pitchers need to continue to do what they do. They can still get better. I feel like we were always down in the first. They always kept us in games and they’ve always pitched really well, but those shutdown innings are huge for us. And as an offense, we have to come alive and be better later in games. I feel like we weren’t very good later in games."
On how he stays grounded through the fame:
"I think baseball is such a humbling game, there’s nowhere else to go than to stay grounded. There’s so many ups and downs in baseball, I don’t think there’s not a lot of room to think you’re all that. There’s no time for that. There’s so many things you can get better at in this game, and it’s constantly telling you what you can get better at."
Answers have been edited and condensed for clarity.
