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Atlanta Braves sign former division rival

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According to Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Atlanta Braves signed Brian Anderson to a major league deal on Tuesday. Anderson is a right-handed bat who primarily played third base and right field during his seven years in the bigs. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta moved reliever Tyler Matzek to the 60-day injured list.

Anderson signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners. After failing to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, Anderson reported to Triple-A Tacoma. To his credit, Anderson collected in the minors this year. In 176 plate appearances this season, he hit .270/.358/.439 with seven home runs and six doubles.

Despite the success, Seattle opted not to add Anderson to the big league roster until he was removed on June 1. As a result, the veteran opted out this weekend and became a free agent.

Atlanta Braves sign Brian Anderson to Major League deal

Anderson, 31, is best known for his six years with the Miami Marlins. The Marlins drafted him in the third round of the 2014 draft, and he impressed while progressing through the system. Anderson quickly became a roster regular and one of Miami’s best players after making his debut in 2017.

From 2018-2020, the Oklahoma native hit .266/.350/.436 (111 OPS+) with 42 home runs and 74 doubles in 1,419 plate appearances. While he may not have a lineup, Anderson can stretch a lineup as a solid complementary bat.

Additionally, he offers great value with his defensive versatility. During his career, Anderson played 1,870 innings in the outfield (all but 52 1/3 in right field) and 3,239 1/3 at third base. During those innings, he had 9 defensive runs saved in the outfield and 2 at third base. He may not have much reach, but he has an incredibly strong arm that is needed in both positions.

Unfortunately, Anderson has suffered from injuries and underperformance since that peak. As of 2021, he has failed to play more than 98 games in a season due to shoulder and oblique injuries. Additionally, he only hit .231/.318/. During that span, 362 (87 OPS+) with 24 home runs and 37 doubles with the Marlins and Milwaukee Brewers.

The Braves signed Anderson to a low-risk deal that could provide high value. Atlanta needs depth in the field, especially in right field, after Ronald Acuña Jr.’s season-ending knee injury. Anderson could bring his double-centered offensive profile to a Braves lineup that should be carried by its true stars.

Without the pressure of having to carry the offense, Anderson could return to his career peak production. For Atlanta, signing Anderson now should bolster the team’s depth and could shorten the shopping list before the trade deadline.

Main photo credits: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

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