Todd Helton Signs Two-Year Extension With Rockies

Veteran Todd Helton has signed a two-year extension, according to the Denver Post. That will take Helton through the 2013 season, and given the first baseman will be 40 by that point, likely to retirement.

The deal will cost the Rockies very little money. Helton was slated to make $19.1 million in 2011, but under the terms of the new deal, he'll get a $6m salary plus a $4.7m signing bonus, then earn $4.9m in 2012 and $5m over the final year. He's also deferring $13.1m of the amount owed over ten years, which will give the Rockies flexibility during a window when they look set to compete in the NL West for some time.

This will be Helton's fourteenth season in Colorado. He's been an All-Star five times and has won three Gold Gloves at first in that time. His career average of .328 ranks third among active players, as does Helton's OPS of .994. Obviously, those numbers are Coors-inflated, but there is a credible argument to be made for his Cooperstown credentials.

Visit Purple Row for Rockies' fan reaction to the deal.