The Atlanta Braves rewarded rookie right-hander Spencer Strider with a six-year, $75 million contract Monday.
The deal runs through the 2028 season and includes a $22 million club option for 2029, bringing the maximum value of the signing to $92 million.
Strider, who turns 24 later this month, will earn $1 million in 2023 and 2024, $4 million in 2025, $20 million in 2026 and $22 million in 2027 and 2028.
The National League Rookie of the Year favorite, Strider became the first pitcher in major league history to strike out more than 200 batters while allowing fewer than 100 hits.
He recorded his 200th strikeout in his 130th inning, breaking Randy Johnson’s MLB record (130 2/3 innings) as the fastest to reach that milestone.
Strider finished 11-5 with a 2.67 ERA in 31 games (20 starts), striking out 202 batters and surrendering just 86 hits in 131 2/3 innings.
He finished the regular season on the 15-day injured list with a strained left oblique muscle, but the Braves are said to be optimistic about his return during the NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The best-of-five set begins Tuesday afternoon in Atlanta.
–Field Level Media