Long-Term Deal With Yelich A Big Win

As the Milwaukee Brewers wrap up a seven-year contract extension with Christian Yelich, one of the best players in baseball, things are looking bright.

For Milwaukee to put Yelich in a Brewer uniform until 2028 -- at $215 million -- is a big score for a "small market" club. At 28, Yelich is hitting his peak. He's won the last two batting titles, and was well on his way to a second straight MVP award before he suffered a fractured kneecap in September.

There are those who will balk at the price. But had he gone the free agent route, Yelich might well have commanded nearly twice that total.

It brings to mind the long-term extension that Ryan Braun signed, and is coming to an end this season (though there is a club option for one more season). Seems to me that the deal left Milwaukee with enough room to add players, making the Brewers competitive.

With the Yelich deal, one hopes that GM David Stearns will be given enough room to add more pieces. The playoffs are a reachable target.