On Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves added veteran outfielder Ezequiel Carrera on a minor league deal
The deal was first reported by Jon Heyman. The Atlanta Braves later announced that the former Blue Jays outfielder would also get an invitation to spring with his minor-league contract. Ezequiel Carrera has played seven seasons in the majors for a combined BA of .262.
The #Braves have agreed to terms with OF Ezequiel Carrera on a minor-league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. He will wear uniform No. 62 with Atlanta.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 14, 2018
Carrera has been somewhat of a journeyman during his 7 years, being on rosters of the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Detroit Tigers as well as the Toronto Blue Jays… where there was a connection to Braves’ GM Alex Anthopoulos just prior to his departure from Canada.
Carrera set career highs in games (131), hits (81), doubles (10), home runs (eight), batting average (.282) and on-base percentage (.356) with the Blue Jays last season.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 14, 2018
Carrera was actually re-signed by the Blue Jays back in January for 1 year, worth $1.9 million. He would then, however, be DFA’d before eventually getting released last Sunday.
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Signed as either a depth move (most likely for Triple-A) or a potential bench piece, Carrera’s biggest tools to offer is his speed and versatility. Carrera has played in all 3 outfield spots and has a career total of 44 steals.
Batting left-handed, he could be a platoon guy. However, he doesn’t necessarily have the skills and batting abilities to become even a good platoon option. Again, I see him as a pinch-hitting/pinch-running option. He could possibly fill in for an injury also.
Now with rumors that Dustin Peterson could break camp, and options like Lane Adams and Preston Tucker already available, I think Carrera goes to AAA.
It’s a low-risk signing and harmless as long as he doesn’t block guys like Ronald Acuna, Peterson and even Lane Adams, all three expected to hit more, run faster and defend better.