The Atlanta Braves made a long-term commitment to Brian McCann, agreeing Thursday to a $26.8 million, six-year contract with the All-Star catcher. The deal with McCann, who has less than two years of major league service, includes a club option for 2013. McCann, just 23, hit a team-high .333 with 24 homers and 93 RBIs last season.
McCann gets a $1 million signing bonus, $500,000 this year, $800,000 in 2008, $3.5 million in 2009, $5.5 million in 2010 and $6.5 million in 2011. He earns $8.5 million in 2012 and can make $3 million more in escalator provisions, but if he fails to win certain awards, his salary that season becomes a club option.
Because of complicated provisions in the contract, McCann likely would make at least $27.8 million under the deal, with the possibility of earning up to $29.8 million.