Rockies reportedly extend veteran closer Daniel Bard's contract rather than trade him

Daniel Bard was expected to be one of the hottest names on the trade market, but the Colorado Rockies instead decided to keep the veteran closer for themselves. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB Network, Bard is set to sign a two-year, $19 million contract extension with Colorado.

On Thursday, Feinsand reported that "multiple teams" were interested in Bard, who was previously set to become a free agent after the 2022 season.

Bard, 37, has been one of the most reliable closers in the majors this season, securing 21 saves in 23 opportunities. Only the Milwaukee Brewers four-time All-Star closer Josh Hader has converted a higher percentage of save opportunities in 2022.

But with the aging closer approaching the end of his contract and the Rockies at the bottom of the NL West standings, a trade involving Bard appeared logical. On Friday, Danielle Allentuck of the Colorado Springs Gazette reported that the Rockies weren't interested in selling ahead of the Aug. 2 trade deadline, and the team planned to keep Bard and All-Star slugger C.J. Cron.

Bard made his MLB debut in 2009 with the Boston Red Sox and set a franchise record in 2011 by not allowing a run in 25 consecutive appearances. But he began struggling with control and retired from the sport after a lengthy stint in the minors with multiple organizations. After more than two years away from MLB, he returned with the Rockies and earned 2020 NL Comeback Player of the Year honors.