Braun Agrees to 8 Years, $45M

Ryan Braun grinned. He had just agreed to the largest contract in Milwaukee Brewers' history. "I really believe in the direction this franchise is headed," the NL Rookie of the Year said Thursday after his $45 million, eight-year deal was announced. "I'm extremely excited in our future."

Braun's contract, which runs through 2015, replaces the $455,000, one-year renewal the Brewers gave him in spring training. It includes a $2.3 million bonus this season and could increase to $51 million through escalators. "How unreal is this?" said Braun's mother, Diane, who was looking on from the front row.