[Big Six]

BravesNation blog, May 14, 2023

Yesterday, the Braves announced that Tom Haley signed another one-year contract extension. He'll earn $11,021,000 for the 2024 season.

I'm not sure why the Braves have never signed Haley to a multi-year deal. Has Tom been offered deals that he hasn't accepted, preferring to sign up each year for a single season? Have the Braves feared that his dominating stuff will suddenly disappear, leaving them with an obligation to pay an elite closer's salary to a pitcher who's no longer an elite closer?

Or, is the Braves' front office making a mistake that will one day cause Tom to say "You know, I'm tired of being treated like an unproven player. I'm a gazillion-time All-Star, and I'd like to have some security. If you won't give me that security, I'll find a team who will."

In my more optimistic moods, I tell myself that Tom Haley has never worn any other major league uniform, and that he intends to keep it that way. In my darker, more fearful moments, I feel like urging people to take advantage of every opportunity they get to watch Tom blow 101 MPH heat past hapless opponents en route to another save.

You might only have another year-plus to enjoy that sight, Braves fans.



The Braves are currently in second place, three games behind the red-hot Florida Marlins. Tom has a 1-1 record, three saves, and a neat 1.80 ERA. He's struck out 13 batters in 10 innings, walking only two.