Tuesday, August 8 Updated: August 11, 8:42 PM ET Jones soon to be highest-paid Brave ESPN.com news services |
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Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, the reigning National League MVP, has agreed to a six-year, $90 million deal to remain in Atlanta, ESPN learned Tuesday. The Braves have options on a seventh and eighth year that would make the contract worth $120 million in total.
Jones denied Tuesday night that an agreement has been reached, but ESPN confirmed from a source very close to the negotiations that Jones' contract is "a done deal." "I know my agent's talking to (general manager John Schuerholz), but I have not agreed to anything," Jones said, following a 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. "Are we close? I don't know. It could happen tomorrow, in a few days or next spring." When signed, the deal would make him the highest paid Brave, ahead of Greg Maddux, who will make $12.5 million next season. The Braves, who don't return to Atlanta until Friday, declined comment. They aren't expected to announce the deal until returning to Atlanta on Friday. Jones, 28, is eligible for free agency after the season in a market that will be flooded with big names. Alex Rodriguez, Juan Gonzalez, Manny Ramirez, Mike Mussina and Mike Hampton are expected to be among the most coveted free agents in the offseason. Jones is batting .307 this season with 24 home runs and 79 RBI. |
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