The Atlanta Braves are, without question, one of the most well-run organizations in all of Major League Baseball. The Braves are not just the reigning World Series champions. But they’re also one of the favorites to repeat that feat in 2023
Atlanta won at an astonishing clip following the All-Star break. In doing so, itchased down the New York Mets to win the National League East. That accomplishment became all the more meaningful when New York was unceremoniously bounced by the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card round.
But beyond Atlanta’s on-field accomplishments, it’s what GM Alex Anthopolous has done off the filed that’s most impressive.
The majority of the Braves’ core is either entering or has not yet reached its prime. Players like Ronald Acuna Jr. (24) and Max Fried (28) lead the way.
But they’re not the only ones.
Anthopolous has somehow locked down young stars like Acuna, Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris to long-term contracts. All of which are below market value before they hit arbitration or free agency.
Fans of other teams are absolutely sick of it, and he just did it again.
Baseball Fans Flip Out As Braves Sign Spencer Strider To Bargain Contract
Rookie Spencer Strider was one of the best pitchers in all of baseball in 2022. Atlanta selected Strider in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Clemson and he’s quickly worked his way through the system.
Strider put up an 11-5 record with a 2.67 ERA and 202 strikeouts this season. His only real competition for National League Rookie of the Year is his teammate, Harris.
Now it appears they’re both staying in Atlanta long term.
Spencer Strider signs for $75M over six years plus option year that could take it to $92M, Braves announce. They continue to be smart about locking up stars very early.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 10, 2022
#Braves Sign RHP Spencer Strider: pic.twitter.com/GkCLX1uSEF
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 10, 2022
The Braves nailed down Strider to a six-year, $75 million deal on Monday that covers his entire arbitration period and his first year of potential free agency.
Spencer Strider's 6-year, $75 million deal runs from 2023-28 with a $22 million club option for 2029. #Braves took care of both of Strider's remaining pre-arbitration seasons as well as all 3 arbitration years and his first scheduled free-agent season (2028) plus the club option.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) October 10, 2022
But fans across the league weren’t too happy with the deal.
How do the Braves keep doing this shit man😭
pic.twitter.com/AUOTGS2kVw— They Wrote Me Off, I Ain’t Write Back Tho (@TerranovaNoah) October 10, 2022
How are the Braves pulling off these cheap contracts. It’s insanity
— Scud Farkas (@marek409) October 10, 2022
Young Braves players keep letting AA bamboozle them with these cheap contracts lmao .
— uandme4life (@uandme4life) October 10, 2022
Even those in Atlanta are wondering what’s going on.
Alex Anthopolous keeps tricking the #Braves young stars into taking MUCH less than they are worth. Not sure how he keeps pulling it off. But good for the Braves … not so much for the player.
— Mark Zinno (@MarkZinno) October 10, 2022
But one thing is sure, Atlanta isn’t going away anytime soon.