Atlanta Braves Sign Ryan Howard, Yes, That Ryan Howard, to a Minor League Deal
By Dan Horton
The Atlanta Braves addressed the bench depth issue today. Ryan Howard, yes, that Ryan Howard, signed a Minor League deal today, and he’ll likely report to Gwinnett.
The Atlanta Braves, only two games into the 2017 season, saw an obvious need. We’ve all known it. that bench was atrocious. Well, they took a step to mitigate that.
Braves MLB.com beat reporter Mark Bowman announced the signing over Twitter.
The Braves have signed Ryan Howard to a Minor League deal. He'll go to extended Spring Training and then likely join Triple-A Gwinnett
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 6, 2017
Howard played in 116 games last year for the Phillies. He slashed .196/.257/.453/.710. Howard did have an OPS+ of 150, so there may be a little bit left in the tank.
The signing of Howard could be a nice boost off the bench as well as in Interleague match-ups where the DH comes in.
Atlanta Braves
Another benefit is he could spell Freddie Freeman every now and then if Freddie needs a day off. Some fans may hate this signing. But I love it!
Howard provides a much-needed lift to an atrocious bench depth. The Braves have absolutely no pop coming off of the bench. Howard could provide that.
Thus, the “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” reactions rang out over Bowman’s tweet. Howard absolutely killed the Braves when he donned Phillie Red.
Now, the hope is he works for us, and provides some much-needed relief to a bench otherwise doggy-paddling just to stay afloat.
Ryan Howard won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2005 and a year later, won the NL MVP award.
He has been a part of three all-star teams and has a Silver Slugger as well, won in 2006. He’s an all or nothing hitter these days, but it’s the “all” part of the equation Atlanta hopes to see him rekindle.
So, what do you think of the signing? Good? Bad? Indifferent? Let us know below!