Daniel Bard receives extension from Colorado Rockies

Former UNC baseball standout Daniel Bard was rewarded with an extension from the Colorado Rockies on Saturday.

With the MLB trade deadline looming, former UNC baseball reliever [autotag]Daniel Bard[/autotag]’s name has been a hot topic amongst rumors. The Rockies aren’t a team that is contending for a playoff spot and are sort of in a rebuilding phase.

So having a dominant reliever is valuable and that’s exactly what Bard is.

But on Saturday, just a few days before the deadline the Rockies made their decision on what to do with the talented reliever. And they are keeping him.

Per Mark Feinsand, Colorado has agreed to a two-year extension with Bard worth $19M. That’s a bold decision that tells me the Rockies feel like they are ready to contend within the next few seasons.

I’m happy for Bard as gets rewarded for his season and his comeback to the big leagues. But I also was hoping that he would be traded to a contender and have a pivotal role in a playoff push.

In 37 games this year, Bard is 3-3 and has posted a 1.91 with 21 saves. He was snubbed of an All-Star appearance but is rewarded with this extension.