The Braves have announced that they’ve signed longtime White Sox infielder Gordon Beckham to a one-year deal. The Relativity Sports client will receive $1.25MM, with the possibility of an additional $500K worth of incentives.
Despite having been in the league for seven seasons, Beckham is still just 29 years of age. He’s coming off a disappointing season in Chicago that saw him bat a career-worst .209/.275/.332 in 237 plate appearances, though defensive metrics did praise his work at both second base and third base last season. Beckham carries a good bit of experience at both positions and is a lifetime .242/.304/.372 hitter that has averaged 13 homers per 162 games.
While he hasn’t lived up to the expectations many carried when he was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2008 draft, Beckham will provide the Braves with an option at either second base or third base, both of which are positions of need in Atlanta. While Jace Peterson had a solid three-month run at second base in 2015, he wilted considerably from July through season’s end, hitting just .212/.281/.297 over his final 80 games/299 plate appearances. Some pegged Peterson as a utility player more than a starter when he was coming through the Padres’ system, and Beckham at least gives Atlanta a platoon partner for Peterson, who hit a dreadful .190/.234/.276 versus lefties in 2015.
At third base, Hector Olivera was believed to be a possible long-term option, but the Braves have recently transitioned him to the outfield, so there’s an opening at the hot corner as well. While Beckham probably won’t be counted on as an everyday option there, he does provide some experience at the position and give the Braves an element of depth.
Beckham’s signing could mean that infielder Pedro Ciriaco isn’t long for the Braves’ 40-man roster. The deadline to tender arbitration-eligible players a contract is tonight, and with Beckham and Adonis Garcia both serving as fellow right-handed options, the Braves could jettison the well-traveled Ciriaco.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports first reported the signing and the dollar amount (via Twitter). MLB.com’s Mark Bowman was the first to tweet the incentive structure of the deal.
Put it on the board…YES!
This guy makes zero sense rookie year good rests of his career not good
I remember this kid when he was a dawg. He looked like he was gonna take the league by storm through the minors and his first season then he didn’t just hit a wall he kept backing up and running right back into it. Just goes to show prospects don’t always pan out no matter how “for sure” they look
He wasn’t ready to join the big league club after just one calendar year in the minors. His spray chart in Birmingham was almost exclusively to LF. He was mostly a fastball hitter who struggled with breaking balls because he was consistently in front of the ball… Basically, KW rushed the guy because he saw a small chance of competing in 2009, and it ruined the kid’s career…
That drop off his second year ruined many a fantasy baseball team that year.
they signed him to be an infield utility guy. so it makes total sense
Was really hoping we could see David Freese as a 3B option to go with Adonis Garcia, but I’m not sure there’d be a roster spot now. Looks like Beckham would also compete for 2B, allowing Peterson to be utility role. Both provide limited offense.
Not a bad signing. The Braves need right handed pop, and Beckham does have some though not a lot. He is a good defender at 3 Infield Positions. I really like this signing.
indeed, the people lamenting this really need to get a grip on things. He’s here to be a utility infielder on a 1 yr deal for little $$$$. folks are acting like he’s a 5 yr $60m starter or something.
I’d rather have Ciriaco.
I know & am prepared to suffer through a very long 2016 season, but now true Braves fans are being sold on the fact that we should all be excited over management signing, Gordon Beckham? Well, good luck with that fella’s. Because if my giddiness were any less, I would already be 6 feet under.
It’s a minor signing for very little money. It’s not like the Braves are planning a parade to welcome a new franchise player.
no true scotsman logical fallacy
Well you got the ‘Scotsman’ part right, bravos4evr. ; )
White Sox fans can finally cut the cord!….That is until he’s claimed off waivers and immediately plugged back into the starting lineup at 2nd base! =)
LOL!!!
Beckham was actually really good as an Angel since they platooned him properly. If Fredi uses him right this could be an awesome addition.
Fredi…using someone right? Hahaha
They sign beckham just so they can trade him at the deadline.