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Good things come to those who wait.
Just days after the Braves signed Ronald Acuna Jr. to an extension, they will be keeping his best friend in town for a while as well.
#Braves in agreement on extension with 2B Ozzie Albies, sources tell The Athletic. Terms not yet known.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 11, 2019
Logic seemed to suggest that Albies would be the next in line to be locked up. Coming off a 2018 season with 24 home runs, a .757 OPS, and an All-Star appearance in his first full season in the majors, Albies has produced right out of the gate this season. He currently is producing a .364/.439.500 line, with an .870 OPS against RHP.
As for the exact terms of the deal, Joel Sherman reports the deal is a 7-year, $35M deal with 2 options.
Albies deal is 7 yrs, $35M with 2 option years beginning this season, 2019 #Braves
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) April 11, 2019
While Albies free agency was expected after 2023, this extends him through 2025, with an option for 2026 and 2027. This means that the Braves now have Acuna Jr. and Albies together for the next 7 years at least. Hopefully, their time in Atlanta will extend long past that.
The long-term control and overall costs of these deals gives the Braves one of the best young offensive duos in the game for a long time. It also improves the long term financial flexibility to add talent in the future.
If you are reading this with a smile on your face, you should. It is a good day to be a Braves fan.