DENVER – This season raised questions about Rockies shortstop Trevor Story as he approaches free agency. But maybe the answers are right in front of us, most every day.

Fans at Coors Field understand, and Tuesday night they showed they appreciate Story, as well.

Story launched a 475-foot homer into the center-field bleachers off Patrick Corbin during the Rockies’ 3-1 victory over the Nationals, and the fans gave a little extra, knowing they may not have many more opportunities to serenade Story while he wears the home colors. Wednesday’s series finale is the final home game of the year.

“That was a good one to happen tonight,” Story said. “Obviously, what’s forecast with the possibility of tomorrow being the last [home] game, it was good to get one in. But the fans are always cool. They’re always high-energy and have a great atmosphere.”

And they since 2016, they’ve always been able to depend on Story.

Story entered the year at the head of a highly anticipated class of players at his position, coming in at No. 1 on MLB Network’s “Top 10 Shortstops Right Now!” list. But Story dealt with a right elbow injury in late April that brings curiosity today, as his whippet-like throws are replaced with a shoulder-heavy motion. His offensive numbers -- .247, 24 home runs, 74 RBIs -- are down from some of his all-time previous figures. And a season of rumors that didn’t lead to a deal to a contender at the Trade Deadline interjected drama and emotion that he hadn’t experienced in the Majors.

But remove the 11 games he spent on the injured list in late May and early June, and Story has played 139 of a possible 146 games.

Statistics, health and stability aren’t guaranteed. But Story, 29 on Nov. 15, all but guaranteed that he plays when available, no matter how he felt. And his previous work shows that when he feels good he plays well.

“I bring that toughness,” Story said before Tuesday’s game. “I play hard every day. I like to think that I’m a good guy in the clubhouse, a guy that can lead and speak when he needs to. But most of all I'm going to lead by example."

“My numbers over the past six years kind of speak for themselves. I honestly feel that I haven't played my best ball. Yeah, I think that's ahead of me. I know that consistency is ahead of me. That’s what excites me and the prospect of winning is what’s always driven me.”

Of course, the Rockies can use a player like that in 2022 and beyond. They have said they’ll extend him the qualifying offer, likely in the $19 million to $20 million range for 2022, and have said they shouldn’t be counted out in being the club that inks him to a multi-year deal. But odds are the qualifying offer will get the Rockies a compensatory pick in the 2022 MLB Draft -- the consolation prize if Story signs elsewhere.

“You don’t know what’s going to happen -- I’ll emphasize that,” Rockies manager Bud Black said after the game. “Whenever I think about the possibility, I immediately stop that thought, because I don’t want to think about that.

“But it was good to see the homer. It was good to see the reaction from the fans. And, bottom line, the guys love Trev. The coaches love Trev. The trainers, strength and conditioning guys, everybody downstairs loves Trev.”

The Rockies, who will finish fourth in the National League West after postseason appearances in 2017 and 2018, have spent years building a starting rotation that they feel is contender-worthy if the rest of the roster is that caliber. Interim general manager Bill Schmidt has fostered an optimism that winning could happen quickly.

But making top-dollar investments has been difficult. The Rockies signed third baseman Nolan Arenado for eight years and $260 million going into 2019, but the inability to build around him led to a trade to the Cardinals in February.

Realistically, to sign Story, the Rockies must outbid other teams plus make other big-dollar deals. Story repeated an earlier statement that he isn’t counting anyone out, but he also witnessed the Arenado scenario from the inside.

“We’ve shown that we’re a lot better off than people pegged us for at the start of this year,” Story said. “Obviously, you want to have great players on your team, and you want to retain those guys. But at the end of the day, it’s a business. Those are decisions that are made above our heads.

“There’s a special group of starters here, man. Those guys are doing their thing. They’ve been pretty consistent. As long as that’s the case, then you’re not far off. That’s the best way to put it.”

Story will hit the market with Javier Báez, Carlos Correa, Corey Seager and Marcus Semien also as free agents at the position, with Francisco Lindor having preemptively affected the market with his 10-year, $341 million contract with the Mets signed last offseason. Teams will have to decide how they value Story, but Story knows what he values.

“Like I’ve always said, winning is at the top of the list," Story said. "For me, culture, fit, geography, all of it goes into it. But winning has always meant the most to me. This is a chance for me to see where that’s at.”