Breaking: Braves Beef up Infield with Key Signing: Free Agent Infielder Brings Skill and Depth

In 2024, the Atlanta Braves clinched their spot in the postseason for the seventh year in a row, finishing the regular season with an 89-73 record.

Despite securing a wild-card spot, they couldn’t advance, being swept by the San Diego Padres in the series. That marked another year of postseason disappointment for the Braves since their last World Series win in 2021, where they’ve consistently been unable to move beyond the National League Division Series.

The Braves’ journey through the 2024 season was marked by significant challenges, primarily due to injuries that affected key players throughout the year.

Despite those setbacks, the team’s resilience was evident as they managed to secure a playoff berth, showcasing the talented roster.

However, this offseason has seen the Braves adopt a relatively low-profile approach in terms of player acquisitions. The initial major move was the signing of outfielder Bryan De La Cruz, which was a modest addition aimed at bolstering the team’s depth.

But on Sunday, the Braves made another move, albeit on a minor league deal, by agreeing with first baseman Garrett Cooper, as reported by MLB insider Robert Murray on ‘X’.

Cooper, now 34, has had an eight-year MLB career, having played for five different teams since his debut with the New York Yankees in 2017. His 2024 season was split between the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox, where he played in 36 games, posting a .206 batting average, one home run, and 11 RBIs with an OPS of .566.

While those statistics might not make headlines, Cooper has previously shown power, hitting double-digit home runs in multiple seasons, which could prove beneficial if he can get back to that form.

The Braves’ strategy during this offseason seems to lean towards cautious, calculated moves, focusing on players who can provide depth or potential upside without significant financial commitment.

Cooper signing on a minor league deal with an invite to spring training reflects that approach, offering the team flexibility and not guaranteeing him anything.

As the Braves look forward to the 2025 season, the management’s focus will likely be on ensuring the health of their existing stars, like Ronald Acuña Jr., who has been a pivotal part of their lineup when healthy. The addition of players like Cooper is part of a broader strategy to bolster the team’s depth and give them more options in case of injury.

With the Braves’ track record of making the playoffs, the expectations remain high. The quiet offseason moves signal a team looking to maintain competitive edge through smart, strategic signings rather than splashy, high-cost acquisitions.

The true test will come in spring training and through the regular season, where the Braves will hope to not just make the playoffs but to make a deep run. Perhaps Cooper can be a part of that run.