Braves' $28 Million Free Agent Signing Ranked 2nd-Best in MLB History

The Braves' 1993 deal with Greg Maddux is considered one of the best free agent signings ever.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:28pm

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Every year, MLB teams sign free agents in hopes of landing an impact player for years to come. While not every signing works out, some turn into massive moves for the team. For the Atlanta Braves, their 1993 free agent signing of pitcher Greg Maddux has been ranked as the second-best free agent deal in MLB history.

Why it matters

The Braves' signing of Maddux was a franchise-altering move that helped the team win multiple division titles and a World Series championship in the 1990s. Identifying and securing top free agent talent is crucial for teams looking to build sustained success.

The details

The Braves signed Maddux to a 5-year, $28 million contract in 1993. Over the course of that deal, Maddux posted a 66.1 bWAR, cementing his status as one of the greatest pitchers of his era and a key part of the Braves' dominant run in the 1990s.

  • The Braves signed Maddux as a free agent in 1993.

The players

Greg Maddux

A Hall of Fame pitcher who spent the majority of his career with the Atlanta Braves, winning multiple Cy Young Awards and helping the team to sustained success in the 1990s.

Atlanta Braves

The professional baseball team based in Atlanta, Georgia that signed Greg Maddux to a landmark free agent contract in 1993.

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The takeaway

The Braves' signing of Greg Maddux in 1993 is considered one of the best free agent deals in MLB history, as it helped the team build a dynasty in the 1990s and cemented Maddux's legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of his era.