The Atlanta Braves inked a contract extension with Chipper Jones Tuesday, in effect assuring the star third-baseman will spend his entire career with the franchise. The deal is worth a reported $42 million through the 2012 season. An option for the 2013 season could push the value of the entire extension to more than $60 million.
Jones in a Tuesday afternoon press conference at the Braves' spring training complex in Orlando was thrilled to get the deal done.
Jones in a Tuesday afternoon press conference at the Braves' spring training complex in Orlando was thrilled to get the deal done.
"It means a lot to me to know that I'm going to spend my entire career with one organization. During my time in Atlanta, I feel like it's been the best organization in baseball."
Braves' general manager Frank Wren released this statement.
"This contract ensures that Chipper will play his whole career as a Brave, which was a key factor for us, our fans and for Chipper. He has been an outstanding performer with our club for a long time and he is still a key part of our team."
Jones was the number-one pick of Atlanta in the 1990 baseball draft, and first cracked the Braves' major league roster in 1993. He turns 37 years old in April.
Jones is a six-time All Star, winner of the National League MVP in 1999, and won the majors' batting title just last season.
