$90 Million Deal for Chipper Jones
Aug. 9 -- Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones, last year’s National League MVP, hasagreed to a six-year, $90 million deal to remain with the Braves,ESPN.com reported Tuesday.
The Braves also would hold club options on a seventh and eighthyear that would make the contract worth $120 million in total, ESPNreported.
Braves Mum
The Braves, who don’t return to Atlanta until Friday, declinedcomment. Jones denied that an agreement has been reached.
“I know my agent’s talking to (general manager JohnSchuerholz), but I have not agreed to anything,” Jones said,following a 5-4 victory Tuesday over the Cincinnati Reds. “Are weclose? I don’t know. It could happen tomorrow, in a few days ornext spring.”
Jones, 28, would be eligible for free agency after the season ina class that could include Alex Rodriguez, Juan Gonzalez, MannyRamirez, Mike Mussina and Mike Hampton.
The $15 million per year average would equal the richest deal inbaseball: Kevin Brown’s $105 million, seven-year contract with LosAngeles.
Jones went 0-for-5 Tuesday night, extending the longest slump ofhis career to 0-for-20. He’s batting .303 with 24 home runs and 79RBI.
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