Last year, Alex Anthopoulos was praised for assembling a team poised to clinch its sixth consecutive NL East title while securing the Braves’ core players on what many considered to be team-friendly deals
These agreements were often seen as brilliant moves, with fans and analysts alike marveling at how Anthopoulos managed to negotiate such advantageous terms. However, what many failed to consider was the inherent risk associated with these long-term contracts. Most of these deals involved buying out the arbitration years of young players, which would not have commanded the $20 million annual salaries some of these players now earn, in exchange for a few extra years of team control.
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This strategy banks on the hope that the players will maintain their All-Star caliber performances and avoid major injuries, while also providing financial security to the players themselves.
The trend began with Ronald Acuña Jr.’s 8-year, $100 million deal, a contract that now looks different after two ACL surgeries. Similar contracts, such as the seven-year, $35 million deal for Ozzie Albies, appeared to be smart investments at the time but are now under scrutiny.
Matt Olson’s 8-year, $168 million deal and Sean Murphy’s 6-year, $73 million extension also seem questionable as their performances this season have fallen short of expectations. Spencer Strider, who signed a six-year, $75 million extension, has missed the entire season due to a second torn UCL, casting further doubt on the prudence of these deals.
While not all of these contracts will necessarily turn into financial burdens, even a few bad outcomes could severely limit the Braves’ flexibility in future free agencies, especially as they are not a franchise with unlimited resources.
This places immense pressure on the current roster to deliver results, a task made even more challenging if Max Fried leaves in free agency. As things stand, the Braves’ long-term bets on their young stars could potentially backfire, leaving the organization in a precarious position moving forward.
