It was just announced on Thursday that Ryan Braun signed a five-year contract extension with the Milwaukee Brewers worth $105 million. Now, courtesy of Ken Rosenthal, we know how that contract breaks down.
First of all, Braun will receive a $10 million signing bonus. After that, he'll earn the following annual salaries:
2016: $19 million
2017: $19 million
2018: $19 million
2019: $18 million
2020: $16 million
As for 2021, there is a mutual option worth $20 million, with a $4 million buyout. So this contract carries a minimum value of $105 million over five years, and a maximum value of $121 million over six.
The contract includes the no-trade language and deferrals we're getting so accustomed to seeing with contracts like this. Overall, the $21 million average annual salary is the second-highest ever for an outfielder, behind only Manny Ramirez. Of course, that's rendered less meaningful by the fact that Braun's contract won't begin for another five years, by which point $21 million won't be what it is now, but there you go.
Taking into consideration this contract, and the contract already in place, Braun is now guaranteed nearly $150 million through 2020.