ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Braves’ $212 Million Man Failing Miserably When Team Needs Him Most – Is He WORTH the Contract?

Austin Riley hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations that came with his record-breaking contract.

When Riley signed his 10-year, $212 million deal on August 1, 2022—then the largest in Braves history—he was in the midst of a breakout year. That season, he racked up a career-best 38 home runs and 39 doubles, with an impressive 141 OPS+, earning a sixth-place finish in MVP voting. Atlanta looked to have secured its franchise cornerstone for the next decade.

In 2023, Riley continued to produce at a high level. While his numbers dipped slightly, he still hit 37 home runs, added 32 doubles, posted a 130 OPS+, and again finished among the top MVP candidates. At that point, he seemed like a lock for consistent elite production—35+ home runs, 90+ RBIs, and over 6 WAR annually.

Injuries disrupted Riley’s 2024 campaign, and his numbers plummeted across the board—batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS+ all hit post-breakout lows. Though some attributed the drop-off to the team’s broader struggles in 2024, those problems have bled into 2025. Now, through 56 games, Riley’s OPS+ sits at 116. While that’s still respectable, it falls well short of what’s expected from a team leader and the franchise’s highest-paid player.

Even more troubling is his performance in crucial moments. In high-leverage situations, Riley has a .629 OPS—19% below league average and nearly 40% lower than his overall mark. That’s not the kind of production Atlanta can afford from one of its stars.

To be fair, Riley isn’t the only one underperforming. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos, manager Brian Snitker, and key players like Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies all share in the Braves’ sluggish start.

But the spotlight shines brightest on Riley for a reason. With the contract and status he holds, he’s expected to set the tone—for better or worse. And right now, he needs to rise to the occasion.