Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information about the likely terms of the extension.



The Brewers, who lost catcher Yasmani Grandal and infielder Mike Moustakas to free agency last offseason, evidently were saving for something bigger:



A monster extension for outfielder Christian Yelich.



The Brewers are close to agreement with Yelich on a new nine-year contract in the $215 million range, major-league sources told The Athletic on Tuesday. The deal is expected to be announced Friday at the team’s spring-training facility in Maryvale, Az.



Yelich, 28, currently is owed $12.5 million this season and $14 million next season with a $15 million club option. His new deal will eliminate the club option, and add seven years, bringing the total value to the $215 million range, sources said.



Some of the money will be deferred, and the average annual value for those seven years would be in the $27 million range, still...