Atlanta Braves ink a utility infielder to minor league deal

The Atlanta Braves continue to do the little things in tinkering with depth and versatility pieces today in signing Ehire Adrianza.

Dave O’Brien is hearing that Adrianza is well-regarded among his peers.  I suppose that’s a good thing.

Adrianza is a Venezuelan utility infielder who has — at various times — played every position on the field except those beginning with the letter ‘C’ (catcher and center-field).

He’s now 31½ years old with 6+ years of major league experience spread over parts of 8 seasons with the Giants and Twins… that includes a World Series ring with San Francisco in 2014.

In short, Adrianza is this year’s version of Adeiny Hechavarria, though he will have to earn his way onto the 40-man roster first.

Atlanta Braves go for experience and depth by signing Adrianza.

Adrianza will have to do this with his glove, for he’s never really been a hitter.  His best year at the plate did come in 2019, though, when he hit .272 for Minnesota over 236 plate appearances.  The Twins had him in for 366 the prior year… hitting just .251.

Adrianza also has little power to speak of: 16 lifetime homers fuels a .360 career slugging percentage… and .670 OPS.

We mention his glove, though defense is not really a strong suit:  it’s more about the ability to play a half-dozen positions than it is any single spot on the diamond (though the middle infield positions are his ‘normal’ places on the diamond).

In any case, Adrianza will join a few others now with minor league deals that have invites to Spring Training with a chance to prove they are worthy of inclusion on the major league roster.

Otherwise… the clock is still ticking:  it’s now about 3 weeks before pitchers and catchers are set to report.