Charlie Culberson Re-Signs with the Atlanta Braves
Charlie Culberson has re-signed with the Atlanta Braves on a minor league deal, which includes an invitation for Spring Training. If he makes the team, he will earn $1 million, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand
Culberson’s salary will be $1M if he makes the big-league roster, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 13, 2019
2019 Season
Culberson provided some memorable moments in the 2019 season including a game-saving throw and some nasty pitching. Overall, however, Culberson struggled for most of the year slashing .259/.294/.437 and actually regressed defensively as well (-0.2 dWAR). Culberson’s value came from his ability to play nearly every position on the field and his great locker room presence.
Injuries also played a factor in 2019. The most notable came when Culberson was struck in the face by a pitch attempting to bunt. Despite the struggles and injuries, Culberson still was a fan-favorite. On December 2nd, Culberson was released by the team, which came as a slight surprise to some.
2020 Outlook
Culberson is still no lock to make the team out of camp. His best traits come from the fact that the organization knows him well. That means that if another signing occurs or a new player steps up Culberson could be looking for a new team in April. If things go according to plan, expect the 30-year-old to play multiple positions and be a useful pinch hitter. His defense has been better in the past, and his hitting could improve with more consistent at-bats. In 2019, Culberson would get a few plate appearances a week if he was lucky and that could have attributed to some struggles.
Culberson, who was scheduled to earn $1.8 million in arbitration before being released, takes a discount for the opportunity to continue his tenure with the Braves. The utilityman does live in the Atlanta area so being close to home is probably something that Culberson focused on. It probably even means that Culberson would take an assignment to AAA-Gwinnett if that came to fruition.
Overall, Culberson has a good chance to make the big league team and Braves fans are surely happy to have him back. With his wonderful hair, the veteran will look to return to form and help the team in any way he can. And that, indeed, is a lot of different, potential ways.
