Once Bryce Harper and Manny Machado sign their massive free-agent contracts, the Rockies will be left with the daunting task of trying to reach agreement with third baseman Nolan Arenado on a long-term extension.



“These sort of ‘problems’ aren’t really problems. They’re just part of the business,” Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich said on Tuesday. “It’s our job to navigate the situation and hopefully do it with a professional and mutual respect.”



By all accounts, the Rockies maintain an excellent relationship with Arenado and his agents at the Wasserman Media Group. But in the end, the National League MVP finalist’s future in Colorado will be determined by dollars — hundreds of millions of dollars.



Harper and Machado, entering their age 26 seasons, likely will establish new financial standards in free agency. Arenado, if he becomes a free agent a year from now, would be entering his age 29...