Atlanta Braves Making News At The GM Meetings

Sep 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski (15) celebrates with team members after their win over the Washington Nationals at Turner Field. The Braves won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Braves sign a catcher, Andrelton Simmons wins another award and other news as the hot stove heats up.

Look out old AJ is back

Ken Rosenthal Tweeted this afternoon that the Braves and A.J. Pierzynski had agreed on a one year deal.

Pierzynski agreed to one-year deal. He started 104 games at catcher last season at age 38, batting .300 with a .769 OPS for the Braves.

John Heyman says the contract is for $3M.

The contract is said to be $1M signing bonus, $2M base salary plus chance to earn another $1M in incentives.

The 38 year old Pierzynski signed as a backup to Christian Bethancourt last winter had a huge season after taking over as starter when Bethancourt failed to hold it. At the plate AJ slashed .300/.339/.430/.769 with 24 doubles, 9 homers and 49 RBI in 436 PA over 113 games producing 1.6 rWAR , 2.1 fWAR.

AJ’s career has always been about his bat rather than his defense and last year was no different. Stat corner rated him 41st of 47 in pitch framing for catchers with 3000 or more opportunities and base runners were successful 72% of the time.

The Braves obviously brought back Pierzynski for his leadership qualities. AJ’s a tough old bird but catching wears a body out like no other position and AJ was beaten up pretty badly by season’s end. At 39 Pierzynski cannot be expected to repeat last year behind or beside the plate but minus Jonny Gomes he’s the best veteran presence option they had.

Pierzynski had openly said he wanted to return but most – me included – thought he’d go to Minnesota to finish his career where it started. Apparently AJ had other chances but chose to stay with the Braves.

Next: Do I know your name?