MILWAUKEE — Ryan Braun grinned. He had just agreed to the largest contract in Milwaukee Brewers’ history.
“I really believe in the direction this franchise is headed,” the 2007 NL Rookie of the Year said Thursday after his $45 million, eight-year deal was announced. “I’m extremely excited in our future.”
Braun’s contract, which runs through 2015, replaces the $455,000, one-year renewal the Brewers gave him in spring training.
“How unreal is this?” said Braun’s mother, Diane, who was looking on from the front row.
Braun hit .324 with 34 homers and 97 RBI last season in 113 games after a May 25 callup. He entered Thursday with a .287 average, nine homers and 29 RBI.
“For me, the opportunity to secure my future financially is something that really means a lot to me,” the 24-year-old said. “I feel I was ready to make this commitment to the city of Milwaukee, to the fans and to the Brewers’ organization. For them obviously to step up and give me this type of deal, this type of offer, is unprecedented and it means a lot to me.”
The deal surpasses the $42 million, four-year contract the Brewers gave free-agent pitcher Jeff Suppan got before the 2007 season.
Braun said the money talks distracted him early this season.
“Anybody who says that contract negotiations aren’t a distraction is not telling you the truth,” he said. “It definitely comes into play, it definitely factors in and for me, it’s just great to have that out of the way and just be able to focus on baseball and know financially I’m secure for the rest of my life.”
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