If one was curious why the Braves so happily committed to Austin Riley over the next decade – beyond his increasingly gaudy baseball reference page – most of his teammates presented an example Tuesday.
Minutes before Riley’s press conference to discuss his newly inked contract, the majority of the Braves’ roster and coaches filed into the room, taking seats in the back of Truist Park’s interview room to support their friend who just landed the deal of his life.
The Braves and Riley reached a 10-year, $212 million deal Monday that ensures Riley will remain a franchise cornerstone throughout his prime seasons. The contract, which includes a $20 million club option for the 2033 season, is the largest deal in team history.
“This is something that took a lot of thought, a lot of phone calls, and I couldn’t be happier to be here,” Riley said. “Talking with my wife, agents, it felt right. It really did. I’m from the South (Southaven, Mississippi). I have family here. My wife has family here. It just seemed really, really right.”
Riley has had plenty of reasons to smile recently. He broke out last season, finishing seventh in MVP voting and helping the Braves win the World Series. He and his wife, Anna, welcomed a baby boy, Eason, in April. Both attended the press conference Tuesday, sitting in the front row.
“Well-deserved,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s the kind of guy you want to get locked up for 10-plus years. When you talk about guys who represent your organization, he’s a guy you put on buses and vans and all that. The person he is, the player, the individual.”
On the field, Riley’s recent surge earned him July’s National League player of the month. He capped July with a walk-off double against the Diamondbacks on Sunday, a swing that set the franchise record with 26 extra-base hits in the month.
Then came Monday’s announcement. Riley, 25, is signed up as the Braves’ third baseman for the next decade. That presents the real possibility that he could spend his entire career with one organization. Could the Braves’ long-awaited worthy heir to Chipper Jones also be someone who spends his playing days in only a Braves uniform?
There’s a long way to go and circumstances can always change, but with a contract like this, that’s the hope, that Riley becomes a player synonymous with the franchise.
“That would be huge,” Riley said. “It’s definitely a goal, to be here my whole career. The guys who’ve come before me, like (the reporter) said, Hank Aaron, Chipper Jones, it’s pretty special to be able to potentially have that opportunity. Hopefully it does happen.”
Credit: Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@
Credit: Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@
Once labeled a powerful strikeout-prone slugger in the mold of Troy Glaus, Riley adjusted and developed into a disciplined force. He’s an MVP front-runner this season, when he’s hitting .301/.360/.640 with 31 doubles, one triple, 29 homers and 68 RBIs in 101 games. His slugging percentage leads the NL, and his 61 extra-base hits lead the majors.
Riley has hit .302/.364/.560 with 62 homers, 64 doubles and 175 RBIs across the past two seasons (261 games). The Braves believed in his breakout, committing to him as they had three other All-Stars in recent years. The team signed Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson in that span, flexing financial muscle of which past Braves clubs could only dream.
The Braves place immense importance on clubhouse culture and camaraderie. That was displayed Tuesday when Riley’s teammates attended the press conference, which occurred around an hour before the Braves faced the Phillies.
“We have a really good group here, good core,” Riley said. “There are a lot of championships in our future. It’s unbelievable to work with them. A lot of good talent in the clubhouse.”
Credit: Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@
Credit: Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@
Riley’s trust in the Braves and his Southern roots made the decision easy, even if that meant passing on potential future earnings. Some opined Riley didn’t maximize his earning power, citing contracts signed relatively recently by All-Star third basemen Manny Machado, Nolan Arenado and Anthony Rendon in their primes.
But Riley, who would’ve been a free agent in 2025, prioritized what he deemed a fair deal that’d ensure his future with the Braves. Riley and his family are at peace knowing he’ll play out his professional career where he’s most comfortable.
“I’m super fortunate and can thank the man above for this happening,” Riley said. “Words really can’t describe it. … This organization has been phenomenal to me from the start. To be drafted by them, and for them to put their faith in me, that meant the most to me.”
