For all the talk about the Braves lack of action this offseason, this should stop the chatter – for a few days at least.
Jeff Passan broke the news on Tuesday that the Braves signed 21-year old phenom Ronald Acuña to an eight-year contract extension worth $100 million.
BREAKING: Outfielder Ronald Acuña and the Atlanta Braves are finalizing an eight-year, $100 million contract extension, league sources tell ESPN. The deal includes two club options.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 2, 2019
The deal included two club options and will allow the team to hold on to their superstar outfielder for the next ten seasons. Acuña, unless he experiences a dramatic drop off in performance, will be a Brave through the 2029 season, when he is 31 years old.
$100 million dollars is a staggering number and gives Acuña plenty of security, but this is grand theft by the Braves’ front office. Acuña has an opportunity to be among the games all-time greats and will be locked up at an affordable rate in Atlanta for the prime of his career.
Fantastic job by Alex Anthopoulos and the front office, despite the public criticism he has received for not making many moves this offseason.