ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves have re-signed 46-year-old Julio Franco to a one-year, $1 million contract, the team announced Thursday.
Franco, part of a first-base platoon with 2004 rookie Adam LaRoche, hit .309 the highest average in major league history for a player at least 43 years old. Also valuable as a pinch-hitter, Franco hit six homers and drove in 57 runs.
The Braves have lost pitchers Russ Ortiz, Jaret Wright and Antonio Alfonseca and right fielder J.D. Drew to free agency. Franco was a more affordable option to re-sign.
``We are glad to have Julio back on our team,'' said manager Bobby Cox. ``He has been important to our team as both a player and a leader.''
The Braves acquired Franco from the Mexico City Tigres of the Mexican League on Aug. 31, 2001.
Franco is a career .300 hitter in 2,269 major league games. He ranks 89th all-time with 2,457 hits.
Wednesday
July 16th, 2025
7:51AM
