According to Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Atlanta Braves have signed Brian Anderson to a major-league deal. Anderson, a right-handed batter with experience at third base and right field over his seven-year MLB career, joins the team as Atlanta moves reliever Tyler Matzek to the 60-day injured list to accommodate him on the 40-man roster.
Previously, Anderson signed a minor-league deal with the Seattle Mariners but did not make the Opening Day roster, leading him to play for Triple-A Tacoma. In 176 plate appearances there, he impressed with a .270/.358/.439 batting line, including seven home runs and six doubles. Despite his success, the Mariners did not promote him to the major league roster by his June 1 opt-out date, prompting Anderson to become a free agent over the weekend.
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Atlanta Braves Sign Brian Anderson to Major League Deal
Anderson, 31, is best known for his six years with the Miami Marlins, who drafted him in the third round of the 2014 draft. He quickly became a regular in the lineup, performing notably from 2018-2020 with a .266/.350/.436 (111 OPS+) batting line, 42 home runs, and 74 doubles over 1,419 plate appearances. Anderson’s defensive versatility adds value; he has played extensively in the outfield and at third base, accumulating 9 Defensive Runs Saved in the outfield and 2 at third base.
However, since 2021, Anderson has struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance, managing to play no more than 98 games in a season and hitting just .231/.318/.362 (87 OPS+) with 24 home runs and 37 doubles during stints with the Marlins and Milwaukee Brewers.
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The Braves have acquired Anderson on a low-risk deal that could prove valuable, especially given their need for outfield depth following Ronald Acuña Jr.’s season-ending knee injury. Anderson’s doubles-centric offensive profile could bolster the Braves’ lineup without the pressure of carrying the offense, potentially allowing him to return to his peak form and reducing the team’s needs at the trade deadline.
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