Bravos strengthen long-term relationships

In 15 years of being owned by Liberty Media, the Atlanta Braves have operated as a mid-tier team in terms of payroll. For the current season, of the 30 teams in the league, they are in 12th place with an expense of 125.9 million dollars.

Atlanta won the World Series last November and this 2022 they have performed even better, racking up 101 regular season wins and featuring the rise of rookies Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider as legitimate stars.

The Braves have made a long-term commitment to position players like Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson and Austin Riley. Harris signed an eight-year, $72 million contract extension last August. In all, Harris had 10 multi-hit games in September, two of which were three-hit performances. On the year, Harris is hitting .298 with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs. Also in August, the Braves signed Austin Riley to a 10-year, $212 million deal beginning in 2023, delivering the most lucrative deal in franchise history even though the player would not have been eligible for free agency for three more seasons.

While Strider is the only Braves pitcher (eligible before arbitration) who accepted a guarantee on a record-breaking $75 million, six-year contract. Strider led the majors this season in both independent pitching by fielders and expected earned run average among pitchers pitching at least 100 innings. He had the highest MLB single-game strikeout total of 2022 when he struck out 16 Rockies batters on September 1.

“Commitment to win not just now but in the future with the guys that are in this clubhouse. That means a lot to me. It’s great and humbling to have the opportunity to stay here,” Strider said.

The signings of Riley, Harris and Strider were an extension of the Braves’ philosophy of securing their young stars with long-term deals, even when they are under club control for several more seasons.

The franchise, which is owned by publicly traded Liberty Media, generated revenue of $260 million in the second quarter through June, up 20% from the same period in 2021 and up 25% from the same quarter. of 2019. Braves Holdings reported an operating profit of $57 million for the second quarter and surpassed three million fans in attendance for the first time since 2000.

Commercial success has facilitated success in the field. After winning their first title in 26 years last year, the Braves enter the playoffs this month with another generously paid star-studded roster. This year, the club doled out a total of $452 million in long-term extensions to three players — first baseman Matt Olson, third baseman Austin Riley and outfielder Michael Harris II — after making similar extensions with All-Stars Ronald Acuña. Jr. and Ozzie Albies in recent years.

deportes@eleconomista.mx