Atlanta Braves Attempting to Sign Veteran Catcher Francisco Cervelli

The Atlanta Braves are continuing to acquire depth as they attempt to finally find some postseason success once again. They have been linked to veteran catcher Francisco Cervelli.

The Atlanta Braves are increasingly likely to bring in catcher Francisco Cervelli after he parts ways with the Pirates. He will provide the Braves catching depth until Brian McCann is healthy once again.

If Cervelli were to outperform Tyler Flowers down the stretch it would give Atlanta yet another bench option as well.

Atlanta has continued to make moves to improve after injuries struck their lineup. With Nick Markakis, Dansby Swanson, Brian McCann, and Austin Riley all still on the shelf.

So far Atlanta’s new additions have worked surprisingly well, though it is hard to see how Cervelli is a huge improvement. The veteran catcher has hit .193 this season despite the fact he is a career .269 hitter.

Atlanta has nothing to lose by acquiring Cervelli but they shouldn’t set expectations high for a catcher who is obviously aging. If Cervelli was to bounce back at all he would likely be the Braves starting catcher considering how badly Tyler Flowers has been over the last two months.

Flowers has been a liability both at the plate and behind it. He is having easily his worst season as a Brave and Cervelli could be an excuse to keep him out of the lineup as much as the Braves can until McCann proves himself healthy once again.

Cervelli isn’t the best catcher but he has a career of being productive at the plate coming up with clutch hits and providing a consistent offensive performance. The Braves are hoping this season’s struggles are due to injury and not an indication that his career is headed in the wrong direction.  More to come as Atlanta is expected to make the signing official.