Rockies sign Ian Desmond to five-year, $70-million deal

Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported that Colorado and the 31-year-old outfielder/shortstop have come to terms on a five-year, $70 million deal.

Christian Clark

Dec. 07, 2016, 9:39 a.m.

Ian Desmond will be wearing purple next year. (Flickr/Keith Allison)

The Colorado Rockies and Ian Desmond have struck a deal.

Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported that Colorado and the 31-year-old outfielder/shortstop have come to terms on a five-year, $70 million deal. Desmond hit .285 with 22 home runs and 21 stolen bases last season with the Rangers.

Tweet from @Ken_Rosenthal

It’s unclear what position Desmond will play. He played center field for the Rangers last season, and previously played shortstop for the Washington Nationals. The Rockies already have a crowded outfield with David Dahl, Charlie Blackmon, Carlos Gonzalez and Gerardo Parra. And the team is set at shortstop with Trevor Story.

Desmond could play first base, where Colorado has a hole. Or this might mean more moves are coming.

By signing Desmond, Colorado loses its 11th pick in the upcoming MLB Draft. Earlier this week, general manager Jeff Bridich promised his club was going to be aggressive in free agency. Here we are.

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Ian Desmond will be wearing purple next year. (Flickr/Keith Allison)