Brewers ink Braun to $45 million deal

May 15, 2008 - 3:36 PM MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- The Milwaukee Brewers made a long-term commitment to Ryan Braun on Thursday, signing the slugger to a record $45 million contract extension.

Braun's eight-year deal is the largest contract ever given to a player with less than three years of service time in the majors.

But the Brewers evidently wanted to secure the services of Braun, last season's National League Rookie of the Year.

"I want to thank the Brewers organization," Braun said. "Just as important, I want to acknowledge the fans who make this such a great city to play in."

"It's a very good contract for both the ballclub and Ryan," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin added.

Braun agreed to the contract four months after Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, the NL Rookie of the Year runner-up, signed a six-year, $31 million deal - then a record for a player with less than two years experience.

Braun's contract also easily surpassed the six-year, $17.5 million guaranteed to Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, who held the previous record for the largest deal given to a "zero-to-three" player.

The fifth overall draft selection in 2005, Braun also received the largest deal in Brewers franchise history. Milwaukee inked pitcher Jeff Suppan to a four-year, $42 million deal prior to the 2007 campaign.

"I was drafted by the Brewers and although my career is just beginning, I know that the long-term future of this franchise is very promising," Braun said. "I hope that today's announcement is indicative of how much wearing this uniform means to me."

Braun, 24, batted .324 with 34 home runs and 97 RBI in only 113 games as Milwaukee's third baseman last season. Following an offseason move to left field, Braun has gotten off to a strong start this year, batting .287 with a team-leading nine home runs and 29 RBI.

"This is a landmark event for the Milwaukee Brewers," Melvin said. "Ryan Braun has set a standard through his first 152 major league games that few others can match.

"He is a Milwaukee Brewer for the long haul, which says a great deal about the strength of this franchise. Ryan's desire to commit to the city of Milwaukee and to the Brewers organization speaks volumes about his feelings toward the fans and his teammates."