Atlanta Braves Players Salary: Sale’s $22M Deal Headlines $215M Championship Core

The Braves invested $215 million into their 2025 roster, placing them 8th in MLB payroll. Chris Sale, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley each earn $22 million annually anchoring Atlanta’s competitive window.

Atlanta locks up homegrown talent through team-friendly extensions. Ronald Acuña Jr. ($17M), Sean Murphy ($15M), and Michael Harris II ($8M) provide elite production below market rates. The organization balances star salaries with pre-arbitration depth across pitching and position players.

Explore Atlanta Braves player biography and roster information for complete team analysis.

Atlanta’s Big Seven Lead Salary Distribution

Sale commands $22 million in his second season following a remarkable Cy Young campaign. The veteran lefty’s two-year, $38 million deal includes an $18 million club option for 2026. His 2024 award triggered additional bonus clauses built into the contract.

Olson and Riley match Sale’s salary at $22 million each through long-term extensions. Olson’s eight-year, $168 million deal runs through 2029 with a $20 million club option for 2030. Riley locked in through 2032 via a 10-year, $212 million contract featuring a 2033 club option.

Acuña Jr. earns $17 million despite market value exceeding $30 million annually. His team-friendly extension reflects Atlanta’s ability to secure stars early in their careers before free agency.

Extensions Shape Atlanta’s Financial Strategy

Atlanta extended Reynaldo López through 2027 with a three-year, $30 million deal signed in November 2024. His $8 million salary for 2025 jumps to $14 million in 2026 before dropping to $8 million in the final year.

Michael Harris II’s eight-year, $72 million extension provides extraordinary value. He earns just $8 million in 2025 while delivering center field excellence and All-Star production. Club options extend control through 2032.

Spencer Strider’s six-year, $75 million deal covers his arbitration years plus early free agency. He makes $4 million in 2025 before escalating to $20+ million annually from 2026-28. A $20 million club option exists for 2029.

Ozzie Albies remains baseball’s biggest bargain earning $7 million annually through 2025. His seven-year, $35 million contract signed early in his career keeps him under market rate despite elite second base production.

Wealthiest Braves Players Across Positions

Matt Olson accumulated $85 million in career earnings building a $55 million net worth across Oakland and Atlanta. His current contract adds $168 million guaranteed through 2029.

Austin Riley’s $35 million net worth stems from $45 million earned since debuting in 2019. His 10-year extension secures $212 million total, positioning him among Atlanta’s wealthiest players by retirement.

Acuña Jr. earned approximately $60 million across his career creating a $40 million net worth despite team-friendly contracts. His market value suggests he left $100+ million on the table through early extensions.

Ozuna collected $95 million in career earnings generating a $60 million net worth across Miami, St. Louis, and Atlanta. His $16 million salary for 2025 represents his final guaranteed year.

Relievers Command Premium Investment

Atlanta allocated $41 million to their bullpen—19% of total payroll. Raisel Iglesias leads at $16 million annually through his four-year, $58 million contract. The veteran closer provides stability after Atlanta’s previous bullpen struggles.

Joe Jiménez earns $9 million in 2025 with one year remaining on his three-year, $26 million deal. Pierce Johnson makes $7 million before a potential $250K buyout for 2026.

Aaron Bummer collects $3.5 million in 2025 before his salary jumps to $9.5 million in 2026. His two-year, $13 million contract provides left-handed depth.

Starting pitchers consume $60 million led by Sale’s $22 million. Strider ($4M), López ($8M), and various pre-arbitration arms fill out the rotation at minimal cost compared to free agent market rates.

Young Stars Provide Cost-Controlled Depth

Spencer Schwellenbach earns $770K while emerging as a rotation stalwart. Bryce Elder makes the same amount competing for starting spots. Both remain under team control through arbitration years.

Michael Harris II’s $8 million salary represents exceptional value for his defensive excellence and offensive production. Comparable center fielders command $15-20 million annually on the open market.

Albies’ $7 million contract remains Atlanta’s shrewdest extension. His production would earn $20+ million annually in arbitration or free agency. The Braves locked him through 2027 via club options.

Drake Baldwin ($760K) and AJ Smith-Shawver ($770K) provide organizational depth at league minimum salaries. Atlanta’s farm system continually produces major-league ready talent minimizing payroll pressure.

FAQs

Who earns the most on Atlanta’s roster?

Chris Sale, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley each earn $22 million making them Atlanta’s highest-paid players for 2025 season.

What is Ronald Acuña Jr.’s contract value?

Acuña earns $17 million in 2025 through his eight-year, $100 million extension with club options extending through 2028 despite market value exceeding $30 million.

How much does Atlanta spend on bullpen salaries?

Atlanta allocated $41 million to relievers representing 19% of their $215 million payroll, led by closer Raisel Iglesias’ $16 million annual salary.

Why are Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies paid so little?

Both signed team-friendly extensions early in their careers before reaching arbitration, locking them into below-market contracts through multiple seasons.