The Atlanta Braves made a surprise move this week, claiming outfielder Jake Fraley after the veteran's struggles forced the Reds to turn the page. It is a bit of an odd addition as Atlanta has its current outfield completely healthy and isn't under any pressure to make meaningful additions. Choosing to bring in Fraley now is simply working to improve the bench when it no longer matters. It isn't the first time the Braves have added a former Reds outfielder, with Stuart Fairchild being an answer earlier in the season.
For Fraley, this is a great second chance with a National League bottom-feeder to re-establish a bit of value. While the outfielder was still managing a .232 average, the defense couldn't be overlooked without the consistently underwhelming offensive numbers. To put it simply, the Reds had superior options, and Fraley's recent struggles made the decision easy.
Atlanta adding the outfielder now is still odd, but it does give the bench a chance for improvement and offer a consistent pinch-hitting option. With Jurickson Profar and Michael Harris both heating up over the last weeks, there simply isn't a spot for the veteran in the starting lineup. Fraley will have to settle for a reserve role.
Potentially Jake Fraley’s last moment as a Red… he has just been DFA’d, and Will Benson is recalled from AAA. pic.twitter.com/jtaNPa6Llv
— Yanni Tragellis (@yannitragellis) August 17, 2025
Braves Make Surprise Move Adding Struggling Outfielder
It seems fitting that Fraley's last moment as a Red was a potential defensive blooper in extra innings. The outfielder was attempting to field what was a single in extra innings. The run had zero chance of scoring if Fraley played the ball cleanly, but the outfielder missed the ball with it rolling under his glove and stumbled over his own feet attempting to recover. The run scored, and it seemed to be a fitting last moment for the outfielder to cap his time with the Reds.
Atlanta now adds Fraley, understanding the defensive concerns and simply hoping to find surprise production offensively. It continues the Braves' recent trend of shopping in the bargain aisles, hoping to limp their way to the end of the season. Fraley can at least offer a little bit of hope in finding offensive bench production.
It is yet another example of just how poorly the front office built this team heading into the 2025 season, and why fan frustration remains at an all-time high. There simply is no excuse for the front office to continue to be forced to attempt to find answers this late in the season.