German Marquez was a raw, talented 20-year-old pitcher when he first came to the Rockies’ attention four years ago. Saturday, he officially signed a five-year, $43 million contact with the club.
“I’m just grateful for the next chapter in my life,” Marquez said. “I’m going to continue my hard work. Nothing changes. My goal is always to win a championship here.”
At age 24, Marquez is one of the best young pitchers in baseball, and he set a franchise record with 230 strikeouts last season. The Rockies’ ability to obtain him, and then nurture him, is of the franchise’s best success stories.