Braves, Simmons Reach $58 Million Deal

The Atlanta Braves and shortstop Andrelton Simmons have agreed on a $58 million, seven-year contract, a record deal for the latest young star locked up by the NL East champions.

The deal announced Thursday runs through the 2020 season. It is the largest ever awarded to a non-foreign player with less than two years of service time.

The 24-year-old Simmons earned his first Gold Glove Award in 2013, when he led the major leagues with 499 assists.

The Braves this month also reached multiyear agreements with first baseman Freddie Freeman, outfielder Jason Heyward, closer Craig Kimbrel and right-hander Julio Teheran.

Simmons hit .248 with 17 home runs and 59 RBIs last season. He earned the new deal after playing in only 206 career games.

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