Atlanta Braves add an infielder and outfielder and confusion
By Fred Owens
Ryan Flaherty
Ryan Flaherty joins a cast of thousands competing for the backup infielder position on the Braves bench.
Drafted by the Cubs in 2008 out of Vanderbilt (he played on the same team as former Brave Mike Minor), Flaherty joined the Orioles as a Rule 5 selectee in 2011. Since making his debut for Baltimore in 2012, Flaherty’s played every infield position, both corner outfield spots and pitched and inning back in 2016.
As a hitter Flaherty makes a good defender. His .215/.284/.355/ .639 line, 73 wRC+, .282 wOBA and 1.6 fWAR won’t frighten anyone; he did hit 10 home runs back in 2014 so there’s that.
The Orioles let him walk after last season and he signed a minor league deal with the Phillies. He used his opt-out clause last Thursday when they told him he wouldn’t make the team and flirted with a return to Baltimore. That flirtation ended when he sign a one year deal that Jerry Crasnick of ESPN says guarantees him $750K.