The Washington Nationals can now relax a bit knowing that one of their main rivals, Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies, will be retiring at the end of the season. Blackmon, a veteran of 14 years, has been a formidable opponent for the Nationals, boasting impressive career statistics against them. In 54 games, he has a .309/.358/.552 line with 30 extra-base hits, 32 RBI, and a 117 OPS+. His .910 OPS against the Nationals is the highest he has against any team he has faced over 200 plate appearances.
Blackmon, who is 38 years old, had a stellar period from 2016 to 2019 where he excelled with a .315/.376/.558 line, 303 extra-base hits, 342 RBI, and a 128 OPS+. He earned two Silver Slugger awards, made three All-Star appearances, and was the fifth in National League MVP voting in 2017. Throughout his career, he has been named an All-Star four times, received two Silver Slugger awards, and finished in the top 30 for National League MVP voting twice.
It is unfortunate that Blackmon never had the opportunity to play for a championship contender as his numbers at Nationals Park were impressive as well, with a .318/.354/.561 line, 15 extra-base hits, 15 RBI, and a 118 OPS+ in 26 games. While the Nationals may not miss facing Blackmon on the field, his veteran presence in MLB will surely be missed by fans and fellow players alike.