Atlanta Braves: Continue Search for Another Bench Bat

The Atlanta Braves are continuing to search for another outfielder to add to their roster.  With the start of the season getting closer it doesn’t seem as if the Braves have made any progress with their search.

Adding a 4th outfielder and a final piece to the bench has seemed to be the one remaining move for a front office that has made a flurry of them this off-season. The Braves haven’t been shy about trading to build both their roster and farm system.

Angel Pagan has been one name that has continued to circulate in connection with the Braves. Pagan has been offered at least one deal by the Braves but one that gave them the ability to have him in their minor league system and Pagan has made it known he wants a Major League deal.

The Braves are not the only team to offer Pagan a minor league contract with the Pirates reportedly offering Pagan a contract as well. Adding Pagan would make the Braves roster a lot deeper assuming Pagan would accept a one-year deal and continue to play at the level he did during his time with the Giants.

What is concerning about Pagan is the fact that he had a deal in place with the Orioles until it fell through for medical reasons. The Braves would need to do their homework on Pagan if they plan to give the outfielder a Major League deal.

There seems to be few other options on the open market or in-house unless the Braves want to count on Emilio Bonifacio who has shown improvement this spring. After showing up out of shape and taking a step back in his production the last two years Bonifacio has shown up in better shape and fighting for a spot on the roster.

Next: Braves Off-season Targets

Jace Peterson and Kurt Suzuki seem to be the only locks on the Braves bench with the latter set to back-up starting catcher Tyler Flowers with A.J. Pierzynski moving on. Signing Pagan seems to be the best move for the Braves current roster if they can convince Pagan to sign an inexpensive Major League deal.