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Diasabra 21 augustus 2021

C d'Arnaud extends contract, returning to Braves in 2022

(AP) — The Atlanta and since-released Kevan ahead of the 2020 season after
Braves have agreed to an Smith. Anthopoulos said the reviving his career in Tampa
$8 million contract exten- signing of d’Arnaud for pos- Bay.
sion with catcher Travis sibly two more years gives
d’Arnaud that ensures his prospects such as Contreras ADVERTISEMENT
return in 2023, as well as a and Shea Langeliers — the D’Arnaud was released by the
club option that could ex- No. 9 overall pick in 2019 New York Mets early in the
tend the deal for a second and currently at Double-A 2019 season and sold to Tam-
season. Mississippi — a chance to de- pa Bay after a brief stint with
velop without being rushed the Dodgers. He suddenly
D’Arnaud recently rejoined to the big leagues. blossomed with the Rays,
the first-place Braves af- hitting .263 with 16 homers
ter missing more than three “Contreras and Langeliers and 67 RBIs in 92 games.
months with a thumb injury. are exceptionally talented. I
The deal announced Friday think they’re both going to be As part of his new deal,
includes an $8 million club all-stars at some point,” An- d’Arnaud will donate 1% of
option for 2024 with no buy- thopoulos said. “But there’s his earnings to the Atlanta
out. D’Arnaud batted .321 with against Toronto. a lot more to that position Braves Foundation.
nine homers and 34 RBIs, than throwing guys out. It’s
The streaking Braves team earning an NL Silver Slug- While d’Arnaud was out, the about preparation, having Anthopoulos said other
finalized the extension before ger award as the top hitter Braves went through five guys on the mound that be- Braves players have a similar
the start of a weekend series as his position and helping catchers without much suc- lieve in you. Experience and clause in their contracts, but
in Baltimore. They had won the Braves win their third cess. William Contreras got reps are really critical at that it has never been publicized.
13 of 15 games — including straight NL East title. the first shot filling in for position.” He decided it was time to
a season-best, six-game win- d’Arnaud, but the 23-year- give his team credit for their
ning streak — to build a four- “He wanted to be here and old struggled during an ex- The Braves came within one role in improving the com-
game lead in the NL East. we wanted him to stay,” gen- tended stint as the starter. game of reaching the World munity.
eral manager Alex Antho- Series last year, squandering
The 32-year-old d’Arnaud poulos said. “It’s a really good Contreras was sent back to a 3-1 lead to the Los Angeles “We live here. We care about
was hitting .223 with three fit.” Triple-A Gwinnett even be- Dodgers in the NL Cham- this place,” the GM said.
homers and 15 RBIs in 23 fore d’Arnaud had recovered pionship Series. D’Arnaud “The more awareness we can
games, but the Braves are D’Arnaud needed surgery from his injury, leaving the had two homers and 10 RBIs bring to that, and knowing
hopeful he can regain the on his left thumb after sus- position in the hands of re- in 12 postseason games. He the players are doing their
form he showed in his first taining a torn ligament while volving door of journeymen signed a two-year, $16-mil- part, I think is a real impor-
season with the club in 2020. making a tag in a May 1 game that included Stephen Vogt lion contract with the Braves tant thing.”