Rockies' Blackmon plans to exercise $18M player option for 2023

Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon plans to pick up his $18-million player option for next season, he told Danielle Allentuck of the Denver Gazette.

The 2023 campaign is set to be the final season of Blackmon's six-year, $108-million contract signed in 2018. He also told Allentuck that he's not thinking beyond 2023 just yet.

Blackmon, currently sidelined with a torn meniscus, slashed .264/.314/.419 with 16 home runs and 78 RBIs in 577 plate appearances this campaign. His 95 OPS+ marks his worst in a single season since 2012 - before he established himself as an MLB regular.

The 36-year-old has spent his entire 12-year career with the Rockies. A four-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, and 2017 batting champion, Blackmon ranks second behind Todd Helton on the franchise's all-time hits list with 1,590.