Braves sign P Strider, a rookie, to a six-year, $75 million contract.
ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves are preparing for the future even as they gear up for another postseason.
The latest in a string of long-term contracts for their youthful core, the defending World Series champions signed rookie right-hander Spencer Strider to a $75 million, six-year contract on Monday.
Strider, who turns 24 this month, was signed after making just 33 major league appearances. He has emerged as one of the team’s most favored players, though, because to his bushy mustache and 100 mph fastball.
Because of “the commitment to winning not just right now but in the future with the guys that are in this clubhouse,” Strider stated he was keen to complete a deal.
He said, “That means a lot to me.” “To be able to stay here is incredibly cool and humble.”
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The decision was made less than two months after Atlanta signed outfielder Michael Harris II, another rookie, to an eight-year contract worth $72 million, the day before the Braves opened their NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Two team options are included in Harris’ contract, which could increase its worth to $102 million over ten years.
Even though the slugging third baseman would not have been available for free agency for three more seasons, the Braves signed Austin Riley to a $212 million, 10-year contract that begins in 2023, making it the most lucrative deal in franchise history. This signing took place in August as well.
Riley, Harris, and Strider’s acquisitions were an expansion of the Braves’ strategy to sign young players to long-term contracts, even if those players will still be under club control for a few more seasons.
While second baseman Ozzie Albies is bound to Atlanta for three more seasons under a cut-rate contract, outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is signed with the Braves through 2027.
In actuality, the team has contracts with or control over almost every important player till at least 2023. The Braves have expressed their hope that Dansby Swanson, a shortstop who is expected to be one of the best free agent prospects, will remain in Atlanta.
Early in September, general manager Alex Anthopoulos started negotiating a new contract for Strider.
According to Anthopoulos, “sometimes these things just take a little time and they go back and forth.” “But we’re appreciative that it was completed.”
A $22 million club option with a $5 million buyout is part of Strider’s deal through 2029. The transaction will be valued at $92 million if the option is exercised.
After starting the season as a reliever, Strider established himself in the Atlanta rotation and helped the Braves win the NL East for the seventh time in a row. In 2023 and 2024, he will make $1 million per season; in 2025, $4 million; in 2026, $20 million; and in 2027–2028, $22 million.
By allowing fewer than 100 hits and recording at least 200 strikeouts, Strider made baseball history as the first pitcher to do so.
According to catcher Travis d’Arnaud, “He’s not scared of anybody.” “The most important thing, in my opinion, is that he believes in himself.”
Strider pitched in 31 games (20 starts) and finished 11-5 with a 2.67 ERA. He gave up 86 hits in 131 2/3 innings pitched, with 202 strikeouts.
Strider has not been able to play since September 18 due to an oblique injury. The Braves have expressed optimism that he will be ready for the postseason, whether as a starter or maybe in the bullpen while he strengthens his arms.
“He’s done well in both capacities,” d’Arnaud remarked. “It would be amazing and huge for us just to have him there.”
Strider, who threw off a mound on Sunday, expressed optimism about his future.
He declared, “I feel great.” “We’re still waiting to go out there, complete our tasks for the day, and assess the situation. Naturally, the team will make all of those decisions and decide how we want to organize the series and other things. I’m happy, and I hope things continue to go that way.
Strider, like a great deal of the young Braves stars, is certain of his future status for many seasons to come.
“My goal in attempting to complete something like this is to remain here and continue working with the people I come to work with every day,” Strider stated. “It is impossible for me to be anywhere else.”
