The Braves have reached agreement with catcher Chris Stewart on a one-year deal, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman (via Twitter). It’s a non-guaranteed MLB contract, David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution adds on Twitter, which could pay Stewart $575K, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today (via Twitter).
Notably, Bowman adds, this signing will represent the veteran depth move that was referenced earlier today. He adds that he was mistaken in suggesting that the club was close to adding an outfielder, so it seems that the organization is currently set in its outfield mix.
Also of importance, the reports suggest that Stewart is not expected to replace either of the team’s top two catchers. That is, both Tyler Flowers and Kurt Suzuki are expected to remain with the organization.
Stewart hit the free agent market after the Pirates declined a $1.5MM option for his services for the coming season. He had slashed only .183/.241/.221 through 144 plate appearances on the year, a career-low output from the 11-year MLB veteran.
Soon to turn 36, Stewart is not likely to suddenly turn into a quality producer at the plate. After all, he carries a lifetime .590 OPS at the MLB level. Clearly, though, he’s valued for his presence behind the dish and in handling a pitching staff. Just how he’ll fit into the picture in Atlanta remains to be seen.
Letdown of the offseason for Braves fans?
More like a relief.
Not really because this wasn’t supposed to be a big signing or trade. Far from it. it was supposed to be a depth move since the beginning. So while it was a catcher that they actually signed that surprised me, I’m not surprised by the move at all and think it’s good depth
What not Tebow?
Typical Braves!
Dammit, Bowman.
I liked Stewart during his time in Pittsburgh, he just couldn’t hit worth a damn last year.
He cant hit or field so there’s that
Lol, can he play CF …….oops, he’s not an OF
for the outfield?
read
He’s not an outfielder! Another move coming?
We’re about to trade Flowers for Bryce Harper. We’re going for it this year.
Not.
Really, people? Complaining about what’s essentially a depth move? Get a hold of yourselves.
Haha true, you’re right..Someone else said they even pointed out it was depth move essentially as a warning and we’re still freaking out
I wouldn’t mind trading for Realmuto and then trading Flowers.
Would they carry 3 catchers or would he just go to AAA?
he’ll probably compete for a roster spot in spring, with an opt out towards the end if he doesn’t have a shot
Those dominoes are falling!
How’s Casey?
How does Bowman mistake “catcher” for “outfielder”? They are not even close!
For those upset, think of it this way. They got Stewart. An equal in the OF would be just as useless. Remember they will continue to tank this year until they get another top draft pick to add to their collection of top prospects because who cares about winning!
that’s very short sighted. the Braves have set themselves up to be active next off-season. It’s not about tanking, more about striking at the right time. whether they win 60 games or 90 games this year will not affect their game plan.
Ignore this moron, SoCalBrave. He’s just a lame troll
That is an optimistic outlook however the Braves will find a way to extend the “rebuild”. They will never spend big on free agents.
If they were still tanking they would have traded Freemen and Flowers.
OFer vs. Stewart? At least you were close at all..
Joke
That was disappointing
I love how everyone is so disappointed. It was quoted saying the Braves would make a “small, depth-type move.” That is literally what this is.
What??? This is a minor league depth move at a major league price. Dislike.
I wish Chris well. Was a quality backup until he had knee issues. Especially hit hard last year. Was a good player for the bench. Hope he is healthy again and can stay healthy for the year
Whatever happened to Anthony Recker? Didn’t he have some positive attributes as a third-string backup?
He was traded to Minnesota with Jaime Garcia.
Thanks. I thought he was pretty good his first season with the Braves, and the second he wasn’t good but they didn’t give him many at bats.
Bad reporting all around. Jumped the gun. As for this signing I don’t really think it warranted a article before hand stating we were close to a deal. It’s not s great pickup for the braves. Not at all
I don’t believe this, but Vallejo is very ghetto. Terrible place
huh?
They brought him in to rake against Kershaw in the playoffs.
I guess he really didn’t want to go to the free agent camp
Sets them up to trade Suzuki or Flowers at the trade deadline.
If not for the scourge of “pitch framing” fans would never have to watch Chris Stewart and his wet newspaper walk to the plate.
Enjoy.
The Braves will lose 90 games a season in 2018 and for the foreseeable future. This farm system “experts” rank so highly means nothing to the big league squad and will most likely never translate to a winning team on the field at any point. This isn’t the Astros or Cubs of five years ago. This is a dumpster fire run by Liberty Media, a real estate company that specializes in building things, like a new stadium for every level of the organization, from Class A all the way up to the bigs.