Ozzie Albies and his representation took heat on Thursday when news of the second baseman’s contract extension with the Atlanta Braves was revealed.
Albies, an All-Star in 2018, signed a seven-year, $35 million extension that can max out at $45 million over nine years thanks to two options for the Braves. The extension was panned by many and even called the “worst contract ever” by some because of its seeming below-market value.
Though many feel he gave the Braves too good of a deal and sold himself too short, Albies said he signed the deal to give his family security.
Albies also emphasized that he loves the Braves and wants to spend his future with the team.
Even though he’s been very productive early in his career, Albies’ total earnings have been probably around $1 million, including his international signing bonus. That’s not the kind of money you would expect an MLB All-Star to have earned.
Even if he’s sacrificing the chance to earn much more in the future, Albies knows no matter what he has $35 million coming to him, and that seems like all the difference for him.
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