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Matt Wieters now a viable option for Atlanta Braves?

By Matthew Brothers

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers players line up for the National Anthem before the final game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers players line up for the National Anthem before the final game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Braves still looking at all catching possibilities.

It’s no secret that the Braves have been looking at Matt Wieters for awhile now. The Georgia Tech product is on Atlanta’s radar this offseason after a disappointing campaign last year with Baltimore. After hitting .243 with 17 home runs the market has certainly thinned for Matt making his price tag perhaps cheaper for Atlanta. In short, signing Wieters to a short term deal could be beneficial for the Braves next season.

Despite his down year. the 30 year old veteran Wieters could provide a strong presence paired with Tyler Flowers as the two primary catchers.  All three catchers currently on Atlanta’s roster, Flowers, Anthony Recker, and Tuffy Gosewisch are right-handed. Manager Brian Snitker would certainly love a catching option who can hit from the left-side of the plate.

Contract details still a major question regarding Wieters.

Braves General Manager John Coppolella has publicly praised Matt Wieters, but a contract, he said,   would “come down to price and years.” Simply put, the Braves have little interest in a long-term contract with Matt, but still are interested in signing him. Clearly more than a few teams have the same thought, but contract years may be holding them back as well. As a Scott Boras client, a contract would be harder to negotiate given his reputation.

Next: Players the Braves Need to Add

Oct 2, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (32) bats during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (32) bats during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports /

In the end, a deal with Matt Wieters would make sense in my opinion. He’s a veteran player who will give you solid numbers. Wieters is a good presence on any team and a short-term deal would provide great flexibility for the Braves. There is always a chance to flip a guy like Matt if the Braves cannot compete next year in the long run.

For a team trying to compete in 2017, the Braves have made moves this offseason that give fans hope to see a competing team. The addition of Matt Wieters could help Atlanta take a big step in that direction.

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