It was reported last week that the Marlins had reached agreement on a long-term contact extension with young outfielder Christian Yelich and now the deal has been made official.
It’s a seven-year pact that carries $49.57 million in guaranteed money. It also includes a $15 million club option for a possible eighth season. MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro has the breakdown ...
2015: $570,000
2016: $1 million
2017: $3.5 million
2018: $7 million
2019: $9.75 million
2020: $12.5 million
2021: $14 million
2022: $15 million option ($1.25 million buyout)
That looks like a very-team friendly contract for a 23-year-old rising star like Yelich, but it’s the second-largest sum of guaranteed money ever handed out a player with less than two years of major league service time. Andrelton Simmons’ seven-year, $58 million pact with the Braves is still the richest.
Yelich batted .284/.362/.402 with nine home runs and 21 stolen bases in 144 games last season for the Marlins. He also won a Gold Glove Award for his stellar defensive play in left field.