Atlanta Braves Sign a new Utility Infielder

Sep 25, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Chicago White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham (15) hits a single run against the New York Yankees in the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. The White Sox defeated the Yankees 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Braves Sign Free Agent Infielder Gordon Beckham

News today that could impact a couple of players…

This has to rank as something of a surprise, as we had heard nothing about the team wanting to pick up another infielder at any point… and in fact, such additions are usually made late in the off-season.

Gordon Beckham has been with the White Sox for his entire career thus far, but never really broke out offensively as expected.  They finally cut him loose after consecutive seasons of -0.3 and 0.3 fWAR.  His only really decent year with the bat was 2009 (2.3 WAR, .270).

Being a league-average fielder, he has some value on defense and has recent time at 2B/SS/3B.  But I don’t think he really counts as a “late-inning defensive replacement” guy (although next to Adonis Garcia, he’d look the part), nor would he steal time from Jace Peterson, for Beckham hasn’t shown much of a split advantage hitting right-handed either.

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Nonetheless, that’s probably how I would expect him to be used… which could easily mean that Daniel Castro might be released via a non-tender decision later today (that’s wrong – see comments).  Jeff pointed out Castro’s struggles even in Winter Ball just 2 days ago, and this signing could be a ‘sign’ – one that point Castro to the exit.  And if not him, then Pedro Ciriaco is the other possible casualty.

UPDATE:  Seems Mark Bowman is leaning to the latter move:

We’ll find out later today.