Atlanta Braves to Pay Austin Riley and Spencer Strider $22M Each in 2027

The Atlanta Braves will pay two different stars $22 million each in 2027, despite both players experiencing professional struggles during the 2026 campaign, Heavy Sports reported.

This financial commitment highlights the high-stakes nature of the Braves’ long-term roster construction. While the organization has built a reputation for locking up young talent to favorable deals, the current reality of their payroll reveals the inherent risks of such massive, multi-year investments.

The team’s season ended on October 7, 2026, following a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the National League Division Series. That postseason exit came after a regular season where the Braves, led by manager Walt Weiss, posted a 94-68 record.

Third baseman Austin Riley, a former All-Star who has spent all eight seasons of his career in Atlanta, is one of the players tied to these high figures. According to Heavy Sports, Riley is scheduled to earn $22 million in 2027.

Atlanta Braves to Pay Austin Riley and Spencer Strider $22M Each in 2027 — Photo: sports.yahoo.com

Riley’s 2026 season was statistically difficult for a player of his caliber. He finished the year with a .219 batting average, recording 124 hits, 19 home runs, 72 RBIs, 64 runs, and nine stolen bases across 159 games.

The financial weight of his contract is substantial. Riley is currently under contract through the end of the 2032 season, with an additional club option for 2033. This arrangement stems from a 10-year, $212 million contract extension the two parties agreed upon on August 1, 2022, as previously reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

A second player facing a $22 million salary in 2027 is pitcher Spencer Strider. While Heavy Sports focused on Riley’s hitting slump, sports.yahoo.com reported that Strider is also slated to earn a $22 million base salary in 2027.

Third baseman Austin Riley and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a 10-year, $212 million contract extension, the Braves announced.

— Post by @JeffPassan on X ESPN’s Jeff Passan

Strider’s 2026 season was largely derailed by an arm injury in June. He appeared in only 39 innings, posting a 5.31 ERA with 46 strikeouts. These figures differ from his previous performance levels as he continues to manage issues following Tommy John surgery.

Strider is currently tied to a six-year, $75 million contract. His deal is set to conclude after the 2028 season, though it includes a club option for 2029 that the Braves may approach with caution.

The following table compares the 2027 financial obligations and recent performance data for both players as reported by the respective outlets:

Player	2027 Salary	2026 Primary Stat	Contract Status
Austin Riley	$22 million	.219 Batting Average	Through 2032 (plus 2033 option)
Spencer Strider	$22 million	5.31 ERA	Through 2028 (plus 2029 option)

The Braves' strategy of securing young core players early in their careers can lead to massive wins when players hit their prime, but it also creates "dead money" risks if injuries or slumps occur. As sports.yahoo.com noted, while retaining young talent is a smart organizational goal, these contracts can be viewed as failures if the player’s production does not match the investment.

The team has been unable to return to the World Series since their 2021 title victory. As they move into the 2027 season, the ability of Riley and Strider to return to All-Star form will likely dictate whether these $22 million investments are seen as foundational pillars or heavy burdens on the Braves’ ability to build a championship-caliber roster.