The Braves signed C Sean Murphy, whom they acquired earlier in the month, to a six-year, $73M contract, meaning they have "exceeded the first luxury-tax threshold" of $233M, according to Justin Toscano of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION. FanGraphs estimates Atlanta’s luxury-tax figure to be "around" $238M. All along, the Braves said "internally -- then publicly" -- that they would "cross the threshold and pay the 20% tax for the overages for a player and a deal that made sense." Giving a long-term extension to a "core player qualified." This marks the "fifth lengthy extension" Braves President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos has "given a player in the last nine or so months." The Braves have also "handed extensions out" to Matt Olson (eight years, $168M), Austin Riley (10 years, $212M), Michael Harris (eight years, $72M) and Spencer Strider (six years, $75M) in a "busy 2022." Ronald Acuña and Ozzie Albies are also "signed to long-term deals." The Braves have a "ton of talent on the roster" and, as it stands, no player will "make more than $22 million in a season on his current contract." Instead of "spending lavishly" in free agency, the Braves have "dedicated their resources to extending young players" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 12/28).
