Austin Riley is in the midst of what many are calling an MVP-caliber season. The Atlanta Braves are well aware of that, and on Monday made the proactive move to make sure their third baseman is a part of the franchise for years to come.

Riley and the Braves have agreed on a 10-year contract extension worth $212 million. The deal includes a $20 option on the 2033 season, when Riley would turn 36 years old. The new deal effectively buys-out three arbitration years for Riley.

It represents the largest contract in franchise history.

The month of July just wrapped-up was huge for Riley. He hit .423 with 11 homers and a 1.344 OPS (on base plus slugging). He also broke a team record held by Hank Aaron - most extra base hits for a month. Riley’s 26th of July was a double on Sunday afternoon that served as a walk-off winner in the Braves’ win over Arizona.

For the season, Riley is batting .301 with 29 home runs and 68 RBI’s. He’s tops in the majors with 61 extra-base hits, and leads the National League with a .604 slugging percentage. Riley also stands second in the NL in home runs (29) and OPS (.964).

Consider this: The Braves have three of their infielders now entrenched in long-term deals. Riley’s runs through the 2032 season (club option on ‘33). First baseman Matt Olson runs through 2029 (club option ‘30). And second baseman Ozzie Albies is signed through 2025 (club options possible). The wild card is shortstop Dansby Swanson, who becomes a free agent at the end of this 2022 season.

The Braves are in the middle of another postseason push, currently trailing the Mets by three games in the NL East race.

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