Contract Extensions in Major League Baseball Part II – Model Franchises: The Blueprint for Success

Note: This is a three-part article series. It is important to know the data set analyzed dates are from 2015 to present day. Also, long-term extension for this purpose was defined as 5+ years.

Several MLB organizations have mastered the art of contract extensions, using them as a key tool to maintain competitive rosters while managing payroll effectively. The Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and Arizona Diamondbacksstand out as organizations that have successfully leveraged early extensions to retain core talent, avoid market inflation, and sustain long-term success. Their strategies serve as a blueprint for other teams looking to build and maintain championship-caliber rosters.

Atlanta Braves: Building a Sustainable Dynasty

The Braves have arguably set the gold standard for locking up young talent with team-friendly deals. Their philosophy revolves around identifying core players early and securing them with long-term contracts before they reach their peak earning years. By securing their stars early, Atlanta prevents them from hitting free agency and demanding massive contracts. Many of these deals are far below market value. The Braves’ strategy is a masterclass in roster construction, ensuring financial flexibility while maintaining a championship-caliber team.

Notable Extensions

• Sean Murphy – 6 years, $73M (2023)
• Matt Olson – 8 years, $168M (2022)
• Austin Riley – 10 years, $212M (2022)
• Spencer Strider – 6 years, $75M (2022)
• Michael Harris II – 8 years, $72M (2022)
• Ronald Acuña Jr. – 8 years, $100M (2019)
• Ozzie Albies – 7 years, $35M (2019)

San Diego Padres: Taking Calculated Risks on Young Stars

The Padres have aggressively pursued contract extensions, betting big on homegrown talent and acquiring superstars with long-term deals. Unlike small-market teams that avoid large contracts, San Diego has embraced an aggressive approach, blending internal extensions with blockbuster acquisitions. Given the rising cost of elite players, locking in contracts early shields the Padres from excessive free-agent bidding wars. While this strategy carries risks—Fernando Tatis Jr.’s suspension and injuries, for example—it shows San Diego’s willingness to bet on young talent early, a strategy more teams should follow.

Notable Extensions

• Jackson Merrill – 9 years, $135M (2025)
• Manny Machado – 11 years, $350M (2023)
• Yu Darvish – 6 years, $108M (2023)
• Jake Cronenworth – 7 years, $80M (2023)
• Joe Musgrove – 5 years, $100M (2022)
• Fernando Tatis Jr. – 14 years, $340M (2021)

Boston Red Sox: Selective and Strategic Extensions

The Red Sox have a more calculated approach, choosing their extension candidates carefully while allowing other stars to leave in free agency if the price isn’t right. Their philosophy is about finding value rather than overcommitting. Boston’s methodical approach shows that contract extensions are not just about signing every great player (Mookie Betts) but about making the right choices to maximize value.

Notable Extensions

• Garrett Crochet – 6 years, $170M (2025)
• Kristian Campbell – 8 years, $60M (2025)
• Brayan Bello – 6 years, $55M (2024)
• Rafael Devers – 11 years, $331M (2023)
• Chris Sale – 5 years, $145M (2019)
• Xander Bogaerts – 6 years, $132M (2019)

Arizona Diamondbacks: A Small-Market Team Finding an Edge

Unlike large-market teams, Arizona must be more careful with its payroll. The Diamondbacks have strategically used contract extensions to secure key young players before their value skyrockets, ensuring cost control and a strong core. The Corbin Carroll deal locks in a rising superstar well below his expected future value. The Starling Marte extension ensures a veteran presence alongside developing talent. The D-Backs have successfully secured key players early to avoid overpaying later or losing the player entirely. Kudos on ensuring they remain competitive despite financial limitations.

Notable Extensions

• Ketel Marte – 5 years, $76M (2022), 6 years, $116M (2025)
• Brandon Pfaadt – 5 years, $45M (2025)
• Justin Martinez – 5 years, $18M (2025)
• Corbin Carroll – 8 years, $111M (2023)

Conclusion: The Power of Smart Extensions

Each of these franchises has used contract extensions as a strategic tool to build and sustain success:

• The Braves have created long-term sustainability with team-friendly deals.
• The Padres take bold risks on generational talent.
• The Red Sox extend players selectively, prioritizing the best deals.
• The Diamondbacks use extensions to remain competitive despite budget constraints.

These teams demonstrate that well-executed contract extensions can keep payroll costs manageable while securing talent for championship windows. As MLB continues to evolve, expect more organizations to follow this model.