The Atlanta Braves certainly haven't stood pat so far this offseason, but the transaction log has been more about subtraction than addition. Atlanta wasted no time in trading Jorge Soler away to get rid of his contract and the team also moved on from Travis d'Arnaud and Luke Jackson among others. For many fans, all of this is a prelude to a significant addition this offseason.
So far, that big move hasn't happened yet although the Braves remain connected to Willy Adames among other free agents. However, we did get a little clue as to what further cuts we could see as today is the non-tender deadline and Atlanta took the opportunity to sign outfielder Carlos Rodriguez to a minor league deal.
The #Braves today signed outfielder Carlos D. Rodríguez to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract for the 2025 season.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 22, 2024
Braves News: Atlanta signs outfielder Carlos Rodriguez to a minor league deal
You are forgiven if you are not aware of Gonzalez as he has never appeared in the majors and played his career in the Brewers organization with little to no fanfare. However, he has put together a couple of decent seasons in a row in the high minors with a .291 batting average and .726 OPS in 2023 followed by .284 and .742 marks this past season. Given his lack of power, Gonzalez's upside just isn't there, but he could fill in in a pinch and not be completely embarrassing.
The Braves announced they signed CF Carlos D. Rodriguez to a non-guaranteed one-year deal.
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) November 22, 2024
He was a minor league free agent from the Brewers that now gets a 40-man spot. Lefty hitter, plus runner, strong defender, hit-over-power, excellent approach. He turns 24 next month.
For the Braves, this looks like a very minor depth move that virtually every good team tries to make in abundance during the offseason. However, the timing is certainly interesting to say the least. The Braves have some tough choices at the nontender deadline today including what to do with Ramon Laureano and Eli White. If Atlanta has decided to move on from one or both of those guys, it would explain why they went ahead and added some outfield depth before the pickings get scarce.
Rodriguez is currently playing in the Venezuelan Winter League with the Magallanes, who are coached by Eddie Pérez. The recent Atlanta acquisition is tearing up the league with a .330/.389/.464 line with 32 hits, including two homers, 13 RBI, eight walks, seven strikeouts, and a .853 OPS.
Will this signing move the needle for the 2025 Braves? God we hope not because that would mean that Atlanta did little this offseason and more injuries are coming in the future. However, this move could signal that Atlanta is looking to make their organizational depth a bit cheaper and, hopefully, fund some roster additions elsewhere.