ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves took some heat during the offseason for their lack of spending on premium free agents, aside from from Josh Donaldson (one-year deal).
However, the club had a spending plan for that period. It just involved appeasing the homegrown talent.
On Thursday, the Braves and All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies reportedly agreed to a seven-year extension worth $35 million.
According to the MLB Network's Joel Sherman, there are also separate club options for the 2026 and '27 seasons.
Albies' new contract represents the Braves' second extension since the regular season started on March 29. Last week, Ronald Acuna Jr. became the youngest player in Major League Baseball history to secure a $100 million contract (for eight years).
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Up next: Don't be surprised if the Braves and ace pitcher Mike Foltynewicz strike a long-term pact in the coming weeks.
Foltynewicz, Albies (24 homers last season) and Acuna comprise the building blocks of a young, flexible roster that should be highly competitive for the next 8-10 years.
Albies is off to a lightning-fast start in the opening weeks, accounting for one homer, two RBI, five runs, .a .364 batting average, .429 on-base percentage and .929 OPS rate.
