Mike Trout is making more money than the Braves entire young core

The Atlanta Braves continue to lock up youthful talent in an economic fashion

In some ways, building a successful pro sports team is just economics. Moneyball and Brad Pitt popularized the idea that talent isn’t always about the big name, but that underlying philosophy continues to be lived out by many building teams.

Though perhaps not as dramatic as Billy Beane’s approach, the Atlanta Braves are securing youthful talent while continuing to remain competitive in the NL East, just 3.5 games back from the Mets who hold the division lead.

Late Tuesday night, FanSided’s Robert Murray reported that the Braves agreed to a substantial 8-year extension with Michael Harris II.

Harris is just 21 years old, and adds to the stockpile of young talent the Braves are building up alongside Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies.

And compared to what other teams have spent on just a single piece of their core, the Braves are keeping their finances right.

Mike Trout’s contract is more than the entire Braves power core

Mike Trout signed a $426.5 million contract for 12 years in 2019. At the time, it was the biggest contract in professional sports history (which has now been beaten by Patrick Mahomes and Lionel Messi).

The cost for the Braves to lock up their core four? $419 million.

It’s representative of two philosophies in team-building: The singular crown jewel vs the infinity gauntlet of smaller, but valuable pieces. Debatably, both strategies can win, but the Braves insulate themselves from risk a bit more with their approach. The Angels are a good example of how that insulation is ever so important.

Looking at the way things have gone for the Angels since signing Trout, well, there’s not much to speak of. Los Angeles has yet to make the postseason, and they fired Joe Maddon this season after starting the season 27-29.

While these outcomes don’t necessarily have to do with Trout, it’s a good reminder that nothing is guaranteed in professional sports, and putting all your chips in one basket can limit the decisions to pivot later down the line.

Make no mistake: The Braves aren’t tied.