According to Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves have inked a major league deal with seasoned third baseman and corner outfielder, Brian Anderson. This move sees Anderson, who is represented by CAA, being set to join the team for the upcoming game after opting out of a minor league agreement with the Mariners over the past weekend. In order to accommodate Anderson on the roster, Atlanta made room by transferring left-hander Tyler Matzek from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.
With a rich history in the league, the 31-year-old Anderson is no stranger to Braves enthusiasts and the organization as a whole. As a former third-round draft pick, Anderson had a notable tenure with the Marlins from 2017 to 2022, where he played a pivotal role as both the everyday third baseman and right fielder. During the years 2018-2020, Anderson emerged as a reliable offensive force for Miami, boasting a batting line of .266/.350/.436 with 42 homers, an impressive 74 doubles, and six triples in 1419 plate appearances. His production, quantified by wRC+, outshone the league average by 15% during this period.
However, injuries to his shoulder and a severe oblique strain took a toll on Anderson’s performance in the seasons of 2021-2022. Subsequently, the financially prudent Marlins decided not to offer him a contract post the 2022 season, making him a free agent earlier than expected. Anderson then sought to reignite his form with the Brewers but could not quite deliver, registering a .226/.310/.368 slash line (85 wRC+) in 361 plate appearances. Before joining the Braves, Anderson had been playing for the Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma, accumulating 176 plate appearances and posting a batting line of .270/.358/.439 with six home runs and seven doubles.
While Anderson’s arrival cannot fill the void left by Ronald Acuña Jr., who endured a season-ending torn ACL last week, the seasoned MLB player can provide the Braves with a valuable right-handed bat alongside left-handed hitter Jarred Kelenic in the left field. The outfield landscape is expected to feature Kelenic, Michael Harris II, and Adam Duvall as prominent figures, while Marcell Ozuna is slated for regular duties at DH and J.P. Martinez will see occasional outfield opportunities as well.
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