The Atlanta Braves continue to lock up their core to long-term contracts. The latest deal sees them sign their gold, and platinum glove winning shortstop Andrelton Simmons to a seven-year contract extension worth $58 million.
The 24-year-old Simmons, joins first baseman Freddie Freeman, right fielder Jason Heyward, starting pitcher Julio Teheran and closer Craig Kimbrel as players the Braves recently signed to new contracts. The Braves have also given out new deals to manager Fredi Gonzalez and general manager Frank Wren.
Simmons hit just 248/.296/.396 last season. However, he can hit the long-ball, with 17 home runs and 59 RBIs on the year. He is also widely regarded as the best defensive shortstop in the majors. He led the majors with 499 assists last year, and made numerous highlight reel plays.
“We feel that Andrelton is one of the premier shortstops in the game today and we are happy that we were able to agree on this multiyear contract,” Wren said in a statement.
In signing the deal the Braves once again avoid salary arbitration with one of their stars. Simmons would have had a hearing next week. The Braves buy out all five of Simmons arbitration years and two of his free agency years.
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Main Photo Credit: Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports
