Well, he wasn't eligible for free agency until 2028 anyway, so this deal locks him up through....2028, giving them one extra year of control, two if they exercise the option. If Strider plays well, here's his likely salaries in real life (minus this new deal):
2023 - league minimum ($700k)
2024 - league minimum ($700k)
2025 - arb 1 ($5m)
2026 - arb 2 ($12m)
2027 - arb 3 ($22m)
So Strider is looking at making about $40 million, give or take, over the next 5 years as he moves through the normal arbitration process. BUT....he's banking on himself not getting hurt, etc.
Here's the new deal:
2023 - $1m
2024 - $1m
2025 - $4m
2026 - $20m
2027 - $22m
TOT: $48 million, which is more than they were going to pay him in the first place.
BUT the advantage for Atlanta is that they get him for 2028 at $22m, and then have an option for $29m for 2029 as well, which, if he plays like he's capable of, is a good deal.
But they're paying $8 million more in guaranteed money in order to get, really, two more years of guaranteed control at reasonable prices if he develops like they think he can.
Seems like smart business for all parties. Suddenly Strider is a guy with $60 million guaranteed - not bad for a guy who's slated to make "just" $700,000 this coming year. And the Braves have him locked up at reasonable prices for the next 7 seasons if they want (2 more than they otherwise would have). BUT....it's a bit of a risk. Plenty of prospects have flamed out after a couple of seasons.