One of the most underrated centerfielders in baseball, Charlie Blackmon is having one of his best seasons to date this year on a team that could very well make the post season. A tenacious hitter that is highly vigilant in the outfield, Blackmon has been one of the more reliable two way players in the majors for years. Between his stoic composure and excellent statistical output, Blackmon is the ideal team player that will always chose improving his skill set over a spot in the limelight. Given what Blackmon has already accomplished in his career, the question remains of how much is the consummate professional baseball player actually worth?
Charlie Blackmon’s Net Worth as of 2017: $13 Million
How did the likable All-Star get there? And how have his contributions to the Colorado Rockies allowed him to garner this type of wealth? Let’s take a closer look.
2011-2014
Blackmon was initially drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 20th round of the 2005 MLB Draft. After bouncing around several minor affiliates of various professional baseball clubs, he ultimately was able to establish roots with the Colorado Rockies in 2011. Blackmon was called up by the Rockies two months into the 2011 season and was able to prove his adeptness as an outfielder in limited playing time.
While Blackmon spent most the 2012 season with the Rockies Triple-A Minor League affiliate (Colorado Spring Sky Socks), he was able to put up an impressive batting average (.283) despite inconsistent playing time in the majors.
2013 saw Blackmon get more playing time in the majors than he had last year, with Blackmon maintaining an impressive batting average (.309 in 82 games) while hitting for power consistently (slugging percentage of .467). For the first time in his career, Blackmon was finally noticed as having a superb work ethic, which was essential in him being a disciplined hitter at the plate.
After three years of being the Rockies utility outfielder, Blackmon finally earned a spot on the Rockies 25-man active roster as the everyday centerfielder. Blackmon took full advantage of the opportunity as he made his first All-Star game as a reserve player all the while knocking in 72 RBI’s with a batting average of .288 throughout the course of the regular season.
He reportedly earned $501,000 in 2014.
2015-Present
Despite playing on another woeful Colorado Rockies team overall, Blackmon’s consistency at the plate and in the field never wavered in 2015. Blackmon’s batting average held steady at .287 while his under appreciated power continued to be a distinguishing facet of his dynamic skill set (slugging percentage of .450).
With two full seasons as a starter under his belt, Blackmon came into 2016 season eager to take the next step in his development as a proficient hitter and fielder. By seasons end, Blackmon had set career highs in home runs (29), RBI’s (82), batting average (.324), on base percentage (.381) and slugging percentage (.552). Blackmon also obtained his first individual award when he won the Sliver Slugger Award due to his all around consistency at the plate.
Thus far in the 2017 season, Blackmon is on pace to set new career highs on offense. He already has 24 home runs and 69 RBI’s on the season and is finally apart of a winning franchise that could be a sleeper competitor in the postseason this October.
While Blackmon may never be the flashiest or most exuberant player in baseball, his insatiable desire to improve every year should garner him more recognition. After several years in the minor leagues and starting on several abysmal Rockies teams, Blackmon may finally get a chance to show what he is made of if the Rockies can win enough games down the stretch to earn an NL Wild Card spot. Regardless of what the Rockies do the rest of the season, Blackmon’s contributions to the game of baseball should not be taken for granted as he continues to be one of the most consistent players in the majors.
He reportedly earned $7.3 million in 2017.