Rockies, Helton agree to 2-year, $9.9 million extension to keep him in Colorado through 2013

Rockies, Helton agree to 2-year extension

TUCSON, Ariz. — First baseman Todd Helton and the Colorado Rockies agreed Thursday to $9.9 million, two-year contract extension through the 2013 season.

The first baseman is earning $16.6 million this year, and he agreed to defer $13.1 million of his $19.1 million salary in 2011 over a 10-year period beginning in 2014.

Colorado had a $23 million option for 2012 with a $4.6 million buyout as part of the $141.5 million, nine-year contract that began with the 2003 season. Instead, he will receive $4.9 million in 2012 under the new deal.

“We reached out for Todd in the wintertime, and had quiet discussions,” Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said. “He understood what we were trying to do and wanted to retire as a Rockie.”

Helton was slowed by back problems in 2008 and had back surgery that September. He returned last year to hit .325 in 151 games with 38 doubles, 15 home runs, 86 RBIs and a .416 on-base percentage.

“We think he can be a very productive player for the next years,” O’Dowd said. “Maybe beyond that, who knows? We just didn’t want this thing to get into the last year of his contract.”