Atlanta Braves discussed signing OF Ben Revere

It’s been no secret that the Braves have been looking for an additional outfielder to act as a veteran ‘stop gap’ until Acuna arrives. Now we know at least one name.

The Atlanta Braves had discussions with Ben Revere about bringing in the (soon to be) 30-year-old speedy outfielder in for what likely would have be a limited run engagement as a starter.

Ben Revere said he talked to the Giants and Braves in addition to the Reds. He said he talked to Cliff Pennington, who was his teammate in Anaheim last year, about the Reds before signing
— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) February 27, 2018

Yesterday, the Cincinnati Reds announced the signing of Revere, who inked a minor league deal on Sunday. The pact is said to net $1.0 to $1.5 million for Revere if he makes the club.

This might not be the last chance that the Braves have to get Revere. MLB Trade Rumors suggests that the Reds already have 4 outfielders that they plan to use for 2018, so finding room for a 5th one could be difficult depending on pitching, bench, and catching considerations.

They note that Revere will have positional versatility on his side – something that undoubtedly appealed to the Braves as well.

So in Cincinnati, Revere apparently chose that organization over playing time – perhaps in the hope that he might have a better chance in Cincy over Atlanta – certainly in the long term.

A Hitter…Until Recently

Revere has hit well at times – carrying a .284 lifetime average with nearly 7 total seasons of service time spread over 8 years. He had an inexplicable dip to .217 with Washington in 2016, did not completely recover that perennial .300+ batting clip in 2017.

That’s important, for Revere’s value lies in his ability to get on base and to steals bases (he has 211 over his career), and without that working for him… well, that’s why he’s been gathering dust on the shelf during this off-season: teams can’t trust his bat any longer.

Revere would have been a good fit for the Braves, though: there’s the spectre of knowing that you will eventually be replaced, but it’s also more than likely that he’d break camp in the majors… something the Reds can’t promise.

He was priced right for Atlanta – clearly – and his presence would have just added to the speed that the Braves already possessed in the lineup.

But that was his call – and the Reds won that round.

Other free agent outfielders still out there twisting in the wind include…

Atlanta Braves discussed signing OF Ben Revere

By Alan Carpenter | Feb 27, 2018

It’s been no secret that the Braves have been looking for an additional outfielder to act as a veteran ‘stop gap’ until Acuna arrives. Now we know at least one name.

A Hitter…Until Recently

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