Atlanta Braves: Five Moves For Braves to Make Before Opening Day
By Deke Lloyd
3. Sign Another Former Braves Catcher Evan Gattis
This move may not move the needle as some of the other big names would, but this is a move that could improve Atlanta’s offense and depth right away. Gattis is a 31-year-old outfielder/catcher who can provide some serious power off the bench.
The Braves would be able to Gattis for cheap too, so it wouldn’t be an issue getting him here. Gattis enjoyed a lot of success in Atlanta, but with the new ballpark being hitter-friendly, he could find even more success if he came back for another stint. As of today, Atlanta’s bench consists of Adam Duvall, Johan Camargo, and Charlie Culberson.
Gattis provides more power than any of those guys off of the bench. Signing Gattis could cause a logjam to the pipeline of young players like Austin Riley, but if the Braves can keep the deal for one season then that could benefit both sides of this.
Gattis can be another veteran, that has won at the highest level, and can bestow some of that knowledge onto these young kids. Gattis is a player who is affordable and available. And he’s a player who can carry your offense for a stretch if he gets hot at the right time. Getting more power from the bench is always a smart move.