Braves Jones signs for six years

CINCINNATI – Chipper Jones, the reigning National League MVP, has reached an agreement with the Atlanta Braves on a six-year, $90 million contract. The Braves also reportedly have options for an additional two years worth $30 million, bringing the total value to $120 million.

An official announcement is expected Friday, after the Braves return from their road trip.

"We're close," Jones said Tuesday.

Braves general manager John Schuerholz declined comment, and Jones' agent, Steve Hammond, was not available for comment.

Jones' annual salary of $15 million will make him the highest-paid Brave, ahead of Greg Maddux, who will make $12.5 million in 2001. Jones' annual salary will rank at the top in baseball, equaling that of Dodgers right-hander Kevin Brown. His overall package also will rank among baseball's largest, behind the contracts of Ken Griffey Jr. ($116.5 million), Brown ($105 million) and Mike Piazza ($91 million).

Jones, 28, is hitting .307 this season with 24 home runs and 79 RBIs.