Gerardo Parra Reportedly Agrees to 3-Year Deal with Rockies

Outfielder Gerardo Parra has reportedly found a new home in the NL West.

Wilmer Reina, via Jon Morosi of Fox Sports, reported Parra has agreed to a three-year, $26 million contract with the Colorado Rockies. Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post confirmed the report, but noted a $27.5 million contract with a $12 million option. 

Parra played for the Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore Orioles last season and batted .291 with 14 home runs and 51 RBI.  

Baltimore traded for Parra in August as a means of upgrading its outfield and the productivity of its lineup, which turned out to be a short-term rental.

MLB.com's Bill Ladson reported earlier in January the Washington Nationals were interested in acquiring Parra. There was a clear connection there since Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo gave Parra his first professional contract in 2004.

In addition to being a fine hitter, Parra is a two-time Gold Glove Award recipient and has proved to be capable of playing all three outfield positions during the course of his career. 

The Rockies play in a hitter-friendly park, which may see Parra soar to new heights at the plate.

More importantly, when opponents feast on Colorado pitching, as they've often done lately—the Rockies ranked 30th in quality starts and team ERA in 2015—Parra will help the cause defensively in a big way.