Atlanta Braves lock up future with Austin Riley extension

The Atlanta Braves have made a major move at the trade deadline but it did not involve bringing anyone new into the organization.

According to Jeff Passan, the Braves have locked up another piece of their core. Austin Riley has agreed to a ten year extension worth $212 million, with $2.12 million being donated to charity.

Atlanta Braves lock in another piece of their core in Austin Riley

Riley had gone from a major question mark over his first two seasons to a breakout star in 2021. He posted a 134 OPS+ with 33 homers and 33 doubles over his 662 plate appearances, finishing seventh in the NL MVP balloting and winning a Silver Slugger award. However, it was understandable that the Braves would want to see more from their third baseman before making a commitment.

He has stepped up even further this year. Riley has a 161 OPS+ with 29 homers and 31 doubles in his 436 plate appearances entering Monday, cutting down on his strikeout rate while posting a career best 56.1% hard hit rate thus far. He earned his first All Star Game appearance and, at 25 years old, should only improve over the coming years.

This extension has given the Braves yet another piece of their future core. Matt Olson, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Ozzie Albies are all under team control through 2027 as well, giving the Braves the foundation for their lineup for years to come. It would not be a surprise to see them pivot to the pitching staff at some point, looking to lock in one of their younger arms in a quest to keep a homegrown ace in town as well.

The Atlanta Braves have locked in another piece of their core in Austin Riley. He has signed a ten year extension for $212 million.