Jeff Francoeur is back with the Atlanta Braves!

Jeff Francoeurwill play with the Atlanta Braves this Spring Training, as the former face of the 2005 Baby Braves has agreed to a Minor League contract.

The Atlanta Braves announced via Twitter late Monday night that a favorite familiar face will once again proudly play for his hometown team, as former first round pick of the 2002 MLB Amateur Draft and promising rightfielder for the 2005 Baby Braves Jeff Francoeur is back with the big league club, signing a Minor League contract with a Spring Training invite. Rejoice, Atlanta!

Frenchy is a fan favorite of many in Braves Country as he is one of their native sons. Jeff Francoeur played his high school ball for Parkview in Gwinnett County and was going to play both baseball and football at Clemson University before being select in the first round by his hometown Atlanta Braves in the 2002 Amateur Draft.

Francoeur spent his first four and half years of his 11-year career in the big leagues with the Atlanta Braves, debuting with the club in the 2005 MLB season. He went to the NL East rival New York Mets in a a mid-season deal in 2009, bouncing around to six other organizations in the last seven years.

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Jeff Francoeur had his best seasons playing for the Atlanta Braves and the Kansas City Royals where he was the starting right fielder for both clubs. Francoeur has 153 career home runs and won a 2007 National League Gold Glove while playing great outfield for the Atlanta Braves.

Since Francoeur signed a Minor League deal, he’ll probably stay in the Atlanta Braves organization regardless of it he makes the Opening Day roster. The reason behind that logic is that Jeff Francoeur would end up playing in AAA Gwinnett for the G-Braves, just miles up the road from his native Lilburn in Lawrenceville, only a quick hour’s drive down State Route 316 from Turner Field near I-20.

While Francoeur is not much more than a fourth or fifth outfielder at this stage of his career, it’s up in the air if he will even make the 2016 Opening Day roster for the Atlanta Braves. Keep in mind that the last time Francoeur played in AtlantaBobby Coxwas the manager,Chipper Joneswas the third baseman,Tim Hudsonwas the ace of the pitching staff, andCraig Kimbrelwas still in the Minor Leagues.

Next: Freddie Freeman: Who will protect him in middle of lineup?

Welcome back home, Frenchy. Glad to see you get another shot with your hometown team. Best of luck in Spring Training and most importantly, Go Braves!

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