Per Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Atlanta Braves signed Brian Anderson to a major-league deal on Tuesday. Anderson is a right-handed bat that has mostly played third base and right field throughout his seven years in the bigs. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta moved reliever Tyler Matzek to the 60-day injured list.
The #Braves today signed INF Brian Anderson to a major league contract and he will be active for tonight’s game at Boston. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta transferred LHP Tyler Matzek to the 60-day injured list.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 4, 2024
Anderson signed a minor-league deal with the Seattle Mariners. After failing to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, Anderson reported to Triple-A Tacoma. To his credit, Anderson has raked in the minors this year. In 176 plate appearances this season, he hit .270/.358/.439 with seven homers and six doubles.
Despite the success, Seattle elected not to add Anderson to the big league roster before his June 1 opt-out. As a result, the veteran opted out over the weekend and became a free agent.
Atlanta Braves Sign Brian Anderson To Major League Deal
Anderson, 31, is best known for his six years with the Miami Marlins. The Marlins drafted him in the third round of the 2014 draft, and he was impressed while rising through the system. Anderson quickly became a lineup regular and one of Miami’s best players after making his debut in 2017.
From 2018-2020, the Oklahoma native hit .266/.350/.436 (111 OPS+) with 42 homers and 74 doubles in 1,419 plate appearances. Though he may not carry a lineup, Anderson can lengthen a lineup as a strong complementary bat.
Plus, he provides great value with his defensive versatility. In his career, Anderson has played 1,870 innings in the outfield (all but 52 1/3 in right field) and 3,239 1/3 at third base. In these innings, he earned 9 Defensive Runs Saved in the outfield and 2 at third base. He might not have a lot of range, but he features an incredibly strong arm that is needed at both positions.
A new bench piece for Atlanta https://t.co/Srx0lXDgy9
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) June 4, 2024
Unfortunately, Anderson has struggled with injuries and underperformance since that peak. Since 2021, he has failed to play more than 98 games in a season due to shoulder and oblique injuries. Additionally, he has hit just .231/.318/.During this time, 362 (87 OPS+) with 24 homers and 37 doubles with the Marlins and Milwaukee Brewers.
The Braves signed Anderson on a low-risk deal that could provide great value. Atlanta needs outfield depth, especially in right field, after the season-ending knee injury to Ronald Acuña Jr. Anderson could bring his doubles-centric offensive profile to a Braves lineup that should be carried by its bonafide stars.
Without the pressure of having to carry the offense, Anderson could return to his career-peak production. For Atlanta, signing Anderson now should strengthen the team’s depth and could shorten the trade-deadline shopping list.
Main Photo Credits: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
