Atlanta Braves Add Veteran Yonder Alonso in Interesting Depth Move

The Atlanta Braves signed first baseman Yonder Alonso to a minor league deal. At first glance, it is a simple depth move, one that could prove to give the Braves another infield option.

Yonder Alonso to the Atlanta Braves is hardly a conventional fit when you consider the fact that Freddie Freeman is firmly entrenched as the starter at first base. Alonso seems like a simple depth move, though if you look deeper at his career there the fact that he played more than once at third base during his career.

Alonso certainly won’t be the Braves’ first choice at third base but with limited options, he could prove worth a gamble. Johan Camargo and Austin Riley are both very questionable starters and there seems to be little depth behind them.

We have witnessed the Braves’ willingness to try unconventional answers at third base including starting Freddie Freeman at third and outfielder Jose Bautista.

Yonder Alonso is an interesting idea if he is able to bounce back from a rough 2019 season. At the very least he would be an interesting pinch-hit option who can play more than one position.

Alonso is a .259 career hitter who has hit 20+ homers two out of the last three seasons including in 2018 when he drove in 83-runs.

This isn’t to say that Yonder is the Braves’ best option at third base (far from it) only to point out the fact that he does have limited experience at the position and has enjoyed more success at the plate than either of the Braves current third-base options.

It gives Atlanta Braves fans another player to watch closely during Spring Training. A player who certainly has the potential to make an impact and give Atlanta an offensive boost and help at a position that is looking increasingly questionable in 2020.