Atlanta Braves, Andrelton Simmons agree to seven-year contract extension
Aug 13, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons (19) on deck against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
Update No. 1: John Heyman breaks down the figures of the contract:
Simmons breakdown: $1M sign bonus, salaries of $1M, $3M, $6M, $8M, $11M, $13M, $15M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 20, 2014
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News broke earlier today that the Atlanta Braves and shortstop Andrelton Simmons have agreed to a seven-year contract extension:
The Braves have agreed to terms with SS Andrelton Simmons on a seven-year contract. The deal runs through 2020.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) February 20, 2014
This is great news for Braves fans and it adds to all of the excitement that came with the extensions for Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward, Craig Kimbrel and Julio Teheran.
In my opinion, locking up Simmons is the best move out of all of these because he is clearly the best defensive shortstop in the game, and there’s not too much risk with that skill going anywhere anytime soon. With the power numbers that he showcased in 2013 (17 homeruns), there’s also the chance that he can turn into an above average offensive player.
However, even if that doesn’t happen, Simmons is still a huge asset for the Atlanta Braves. With a 91 wRC+ last year (which basically says he was a below average major league hitter) Simmons was still a 4.7 WAR player, which is extremely impressive.
Early reports have the deal at seven years and $58 million dollars, wich is not only great value in my opinion, but a record setting deal in its own right:
Blows away Braun’s old record for 1+ service time extension. RT @Ken_Rosenthal: Source: Simmons deal with #Braves is seven years, $58M.
— Dave Cameron (@OneDaveCameron) February 20, 2014
Here’s an idea of how great this contract is:
Andrelton was worth 6.8 bWAR last season, making him worth about $33 million. He'll now make $58M over the next seven years
— Scott Coleman (@scottcoleman55) February 20, 2014
Atlanta’s front office has really outdone itself during the past few weeks, and the future of the team looks extremely bright. What are your thoughts on the extension?