In a groundbreaking move, the Atlanta Braves and their star outfielder, Ronald Acuña Jr., have reached an unprecedented agreement, signing an eight-year contract extension worth a staggering $100 million. The deal, which includes two club options, marks a historic moment as Acuña becomes the youngest player in baseball history to secure a contract valued at over $100 million.

Under the terms of the contract, Acuña’s earnings will be structured as follows: $1 million for both 2019 and 2020, $5 million in 2021, $15 million in 2022, and $17 million annually from 2023 to 2026. With an average annual salary of $12.4 million, the Braves have successfully secured the services of the talented outfielder for a considerable period.

Notably, the contract does not include a no-trade clause, a rarity for the Braves organization. Additionally, there are no opt-out provisions or performance incentives within the deal, highlighting the team’s commitment to a long-term partnership with Acuña.

At just 21 years old, Acuña has already established himself as one of the most promising young stars in the game. In the 2018 season, he exhibited exceptional skills, achieving a batting average of .293, an on-base percentage of .366, and a slugging percentage of .552. His impressive performance earned him the well-deserved National League Rookie of the Year Award. It is worth noting that his impressive statistics could have been even more remarkable had the Braves not kept him in the minors for a few additional weeks to gain an extra year of team control.

This groundbreaking contract extension not only secures Acuña’s financial future but also offers the Braves a remarkable opportunity. By securing the young outfielder’s services for eight to ten years, the Braves have obtained cost-controlled access to Acuña’s prime years, including his age 27, 28, and 29 seasons. Considering the exоrbitant salaries currently commanded by top-tier players like Harper, Trout, and Machado for those years, the Braves are poised to receive exceptional value for their investment.

While Acuña’s potential earnings in the future are uncertain, it is widely acknowledged that his trajectory suggests the Braves have secured an extraordinary deal. This contract grants the team three arbitration years, which, based on precedents set by players like Mookie Betts and Nolan Arenado, could be valued at more than $20 million per season. Moreover, the Braves possess the option to retain Acuña beyond the initial eight-year period, ensuring his continued presence on the team.

Acuña’s decision to accept the extension reflects the changing landscape for young superstars in Major League Baseball. By securing financial stability early in his career, the rising star has positioned himself for a prosperous future, recognizing that it may take many more years to gain the leverage necessary for a larger payday.

With this groundbreaking contract, the Braves have not only solidified their commitment to Acuña but have also made a resounding statement to the baseball world. The stage is set for Acuña to continue his meteoric rise, and the anticipation surrounding his future performance is palpable. As the years unfold, baseball enthusiasts eagerly await the remarkable journey that lies ahead for this extraordinary young talent.