The Atlanta Braves are one of the most successful and storied franchises in Major League Baseball history. Over the years, the team has had its fair share of star players, many of whom have been rewarded with lucrative contracts. In this article, we`ll take a look at some of the biggest contracts in Atlanta Braves history.
1. Chipper Jones – $90 million
Chipper Jones is one of the greatest players in Braves history, and he was rewarded handsomely for his contributions to the team. In 2000, Jones signed a six-year, $90 million contract, which at the time was the biggest contract in baseball history. The deal paid off for the Braves, as Jones went on to win the NL MVP award in 1999 and finished in the top five in MVP voting four other times during the life of the contract.
2. Andruw Jones – $75 million
Andruw Jones was a star center fielder for the Braves for many years, and he was rewarded with a six-year, $75 million contract in 2001. Jones was one of the best defensive outfielders of his generation, and he won 10 consecutive Gold Glove awards during his time in Atlanta. He also hit 51 home runs in 2005, which was one of the best seasons of his career.
3. Freddie Freeman – $135 million
Freddie Freeman is currently one of the best players on the Braves roster, and the team recognized that by giving him a lucrative eight-year, $135 million contract extension in 2021. Freeman has been with the Braves since 2010, and during that time he has won a Gold Glove award, been named to four All-Star teams, and won the NL MVP award in 2020.
4. Brian McCann – $85 million
Brian McCann was one of the best catchers in baseball during his time with the Braves, and the team rewarded him with a six-year, $85 million contract in 2014. McCann was a seven-time All-Star for the Braves, and he hit over 20 home runs in six different seasons. He also won five Silver Slugger awards during his career.
5. BJ Upton – $75 million
BJ Upton, also known as Melvin Upton Jr., signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the Braves in 2013. Unfortunately, the deal didn`t work out as well as the team had hoped, as Upton struggled on the field and was eventually traded to the San Diego Padres. Despite his struggles with the Braves, Upton did hit 28 home runs and steal 31 bases in 2012, which likely played a role in his big contract.
In conclusion, the Atlanta Braves have a rich history of signing big contracts with some of the best players in baseball. From Chipper Jones to Freddie Freeman, these players have helped make the Braves one of the most successful franchises in MLB history.