Headlines

  • Jake McGee Retires
  • Royals Re-Sign Zack Greinke
  • Orioles To Decline Five-Year Lease Extension At Camden Yards, Seeking Longer-Term Agreement With Maryland Stadium Authority
  • Mariners, Dylan Moore Agree to Three-Year Extension
  • Blue Jays Sign Chad Green
  • Rays Extend Yandy Diaz
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • Top 50 Free Agents
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2023
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Arbitration Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Braves Re-Sign Eric Hinske

By Tim Dierkes | December 2, 2010 at 6:22pm CDT

6:22pm: The deal will pay Hinske $1.35MM in 2011. The Braves will then choose between a $1.5MM club option for 2012 and a $100K buyout, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (on Twitter).

4:31pm: Hinske will earn $1.45MM, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter).

1:42pm: The Braves re-signed utility man Eric Hinske to a one-year deal with an option, tweets David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets that the deal includes lots of plate appearance incentives.  Hinske chose between offers from the Braves and his hometown Brewers, apparently not finding the guaranteed two years he sought.

Hinske, 33, hit .256/.338/.456 with 11 home runs in 320 plate appearances this year.  He logged innings at left field and first base, and has also played right field and third base in his career.  He's a left-handed hitter who has been shielded from southpaws by his managers in recent years.

I'm surprised Hinske's agent couldn't find him a two-year guarantee, with recent comparables Geoff Blum and Ross Gload.  But perhaps he only had interest in playing for the Braves or Brewers, limiting his leverage.

Share 11 Retweet 17 Send via email0

Atlanta Braves Transactions Eric Hinske

Dodgers Rumors: Padilla, Varitek, Payroll
Main
Minor Deals: Gotay, Rays, Duckworth, Carlyle
View Comments (77)

Comments

  1. patburn

    12 years ago

    score!

    Reply
  2. Grant Whaley

    12 years ago

    This means clutch hits when it comes down to the wire, like we saw in the division series.

    Reply
  3. MichaelM

    12 years ago

    Wouldn’t have made the playoffs without Hinske, that really says all that needs to be said.

    Reply
    • T Morgan

      12 years ago

      And we will be back in the play-offs again.. Hinske is the good luck charm!

      Reply
  4. MLB_in_the_Know

    12 years ago

    Really glad to have him back.

    Reply
  5. BraveNewWorld

    12 years ago

    GOOOOOOOD signing

    Reply
  6. Brandon

    12 years ago

    I’m so happy Eric is coming back to the Braves. We need him off the bench.

    Reply
  7. Joe Garcia

    12 years ago

    Man…I love this guy, so sad he didnt go with the D’Backs

    Reply
  8. Brandon Woodworth

    12 years ago

    YES! It’s just sad Diaz won’t be back. I wish Prado could play center so we could keep Diaz/Hinske in LF, despite the defense. I love those 2 guys.

    Reply
    • inkstainedscribe

      12 years ago

      With Burrell re-signing for $1 million, you just can’t see the Braves offering Diaz $2.5 mm+. That’s too bad, and he may have to take a pay cut to stay in Atlanta (after being non-tendered).

      Reply
      • Brandon Woodworth

        12 years ago

        I don’t think he’d want to come back to Atlanta. He won’t be getting any playing time behind Prado and Heyward, and even behind that, he’d platoon with Hinske.

        Reply
        • NL_East_Rivalry

          12 years ago

          Diaz or Hinske would come in when Prado goes to the INF to back the guys up, so I see a lot of playing time. Either that or be a threat on the bench. 2 mill is the max i’d pay and Diaz could get a platoon role elsewhere.

    • csg

      12 years ago

      Diaz isnt gone just yet. Braves are going to nontender him, but they still can resign him for the same salary if they choose. They would be wise to bring him back and make Mather compete for a spot instead of just handing him one. They may have to move KK in order to have enough cash though

      Reply
      • BravesRed

        12 years ago

        $1.5 million or so is what Braves probably wanna pay Diaz.

        Reply
  9. BravesRed

    12 years ago

    The best signing of the offseason.

    Reply
  10. Jake Humphrey

    12 years ago

    Hell yeah. Glad to have him back.

    Reply
  11. Mel

    12 years ago

    He won’t make for much of a backup first baseman. I don’t like the idea of throwing Freeman out there full-time just yet, would like to see someone else get some PA’s against tough lefties……and obviously that’s not going to be Hinske. Prado has played a little 1B in his career, and I suppose Mather is an option….

    Anyway, good signing. Still think they need to work with David Ross at 1B this offseason/spring. Dude has led the team in OPS the last two years, he deserves more PA’s and the Braves generally struggle against lefties, so I think it could work as long as he’s not horrible defensively….

    Reply
    • roberty

      12 years ago

      If the Braves wanted to use Ross for anything besides a backup catcher they would need to have another catcher on the roster in case McCann needs to come out of a game for unexpected reasons. It’s too bad because he is a great hitter and it would be nice to get him in there in big pinch hit situations but the risk of being left to finish a game with no catcher is too great.

      Reply
      • Yucavich

        12 years ago

        If McCann needs to come out of the game, just slide Ross from 1B to C and bring Freeman in..no problem with that.

        I like the idea of Ross getting some AB’s at 1B.

        Reply
        • Brad426

          12 years ago

          Exactly. Ross is wasted at the end of games right now, so it would be great to have him be able to play another position. Let’s the Braves fill that last bench spot with a defensive-minded guy, too.

  12. erm016

    12 years ago

    Good to hear. Glad he’s back. One of my fav players.

    Reply
  13. N

    12 years ago

    How much was the contract for?

    Reply
    • BravesRed

      12 years ago

      It hasn’t been released yet.

      Reply
  14. generalbocephus

    12 years ago

    Frank Wren getting it done this offseason. Bring in a veteran reliever to support the backend of the pen and the Bravos are set.

    Reply
  15. worship1

    12 years ago

    Braves still need an outfielder. Mclouth starting? come on…we sent him to the minors last year because he was not performing. also chipper is not going to play everyday.
    so prado goes to third. I guess Hinske is the left fielder then?
    We still need an outfielder. (and stop saying Mather. that guy sucks and probably wont even make the team after he bats .200 in spring training…

    Reply
    • Mel

      12 years ago

      Braves don’t really ‘need’ another outfielder, considering they made the playoffs last year with a worse outfield than they’ll have in 2011. McLouth can’t possibly be any worse and his production after being called back up earns him a decent chance of being the every-day guy. Matt Young will get a long look in ST as well. Right now the outfield options are Heyward, McLouth, Hinske, Prado, Mather, and Young. I can see Wren going after a guy like Gwynn Jr for his defense, which is probably a good idea even if McLouth is able to bounce back at the plate.

      Reply
      • Brad426

        12 years ago

        Then make Diory the infield utility guy over Conrad and you have solid defense off the bench. Otherwise you have nobody to back up SS.

        Reply
      • inkstainedscribe

        12 years ago

        I think Wren understands the concept of sunk costs. So if it looks as if McLouth really isn’t a big league hitter, there’s no reason for the Braves to not give someone else a shot at his ABs (perhaps one of the guys they just signed to minor-league deals, or someone like a Gwynn Jr., as you suggest.)

        The Braves have to pay McLouth’s full contract, like it or not, or get another team to take him and take on some of the money. But they’re under no obligation to give McLouth playing time if he can’t do the job.

        Reply
    • N

      12 years ago

      How about Tony Gwynn Jr., who was non-tendered? Good speed and D.

      Reply
      • Brad426

        12 years ago

        Perfect fit for what they need, I think.

        Reply
      • Faceman937

        12 years ago

        I think we are more likely to get Hairston. We need a RH batter not another Lefty. However, Gwynn would be a cheap solution too!

        Reply
  16. R.D.

    12 years ago

    Mather hasn’t shown any reason for us to trust him…Matt Young is my hope if McLouth doesn’t bounce back but I don’t see why we wouldn’t at least give Nate a ST opportunity.

    Really really glad Hinske resigned, I’m pretty convinced Matty D isn’t coming back which I find really bothersome. Diaz has been a fantastic force in so many different ways for the Braves until last year but that could happen to anyone with injuries. Either way he still hustled every day and symbolized Bobby’s idea of a big league hitter.

    We have plenty of other options though sadly, that money will be spent on relievers which we could definitely use.

    Reply
  17. GoAwayNow

    12 years ago

    I’m fairly certain whatever team Hinske is on (or at least traded to mid-season) is destined to make the playoffs. Good pick up for the Braves, he has his uses.

    Reply
  18. nitrolew

    12 years ago

    Prado, Heyward, Jones, Uggla, McCann, Gonzales, Crawford, Freeman
    Hinske, Ross, Conrad, Mather, Diaz and 12 pitchers = World Series. GO GET CRAWFORD, WERTH OR UPTON!

    Reply
    • Matrix9381

      12 years ago

      the Braves have like 2+/- million to spend. There is no way for them to be able to pick up guys like Crawford, Werth or Upton. UNLESS, Wren is willing to unload a LOT of farmhands. I doubt that happening. If the Braves could get rid of KK which they are trying to do because his 6.65mil is killing us. They had 2 teams interested and 1 was willing to take half his contract leaving the braves 3 mil to add and have around 6 mil. Wren already said with what money left he is lookin for a veteran releiver to help out Kimbriel and others so.. Best bet would be Tony Gwynn Jr.

      Reply
      • Chris

        12 years ago

        we have more than 2+/- million. With Wagner and Saito coming off the books, that’s 10.8 million there. PLUS, Glaus’ contract is gone (another 1 million). Add in Uggla’s salary and now this and there’s around 6 million to play with. However, I keep hearing that Liberty will up the payroll a bit.

        Reply
        • Matrix9381

          12 years ago

          I understand and agree with everything you said, BUT… the 13.8 million total from Saito, Wagner, DIAZ now and Glaus. Remember you still have to pay Uggla 10 million this year. I’m hoping I got that right.. If this is not true then I’m missunderstanding something somewhere and please correct me. This is where I come up with the 2 +/- to play with. I heard the same about Liberty beefing the payroll up too. I hope they do. We really do need a Legitimate leadoff guy (not to say Prado isnt a legitimate leadoff guy) But I would rather see him hit with a guy on base already.

  19. rob9earl

    12 years ago

    Crawford and Werth are free agents so not sure how you think we can get them. We don’t have a Yankee budget. Upton would be a possibility if we made a trade with Tampa Bay.

    Reply
  20. ATL_Mindset

    12 years ago

    Bench bat/ back-up CF?

    Reply
  21. Matrix9381

    12 years ago

    I ABSOLUTELY LOVE HINSKE!!!! He is tha man! Great re-sign for the Braves! Still not sure why they wouldn’t offer him more then 1 year, he is a Golden Ticket bench player and club house guy.. I know WREN is using the rest of the cash to get a veteran bullpen guy, BUT, I would love to see him go and get Tony Gwynn Jr. I wouldnt throw out McLouth yet either. This last stance in the majors at end of season showed him back in his old form just about and I was glad to see that. POSSIBLE LINEUP

    Gwynn Jr
    Prado
    Jones
    Uggla
    McCann
    Heyward
    Freeman
    Gonzalez
    Pitcher

    Reply
    • Sloth

      12 years ago

      Halladay
      Halladay
      Halladay
      Halladay
      Halladay
      Halladay
      Halladay
      Halladay
      Halladay

      Game. Set. Match.

      Reply
      • Jake Humphrey

        12 years ago

        Especially since the Phillies won the World…..oh wait, they didn’t. They lost to the same team we did in the playoffs.

        Reply
        • wickedkevin

          12 years ago

          womp womp woooooomp

        • NYBravosFan10

          12 years ago

          well put bud well put

    • Brad426

      12 years ago

      They updated the post after you wrote this, but turns out it’s 1 year with a club option and a $100K buyout.

      Reply
  22. BaseballFanatic0707

    12 years ago

    The rare combination of a decent hitter who has no problem with coming off the bench and can get the clutch hits.

    Reply
  23. Tyler Sekula

    12 years ago

    Great signing for the Braves. They are really putting together a good team for next year.

    Reply
  24. jtownse9

    12 years ago

    crawford or anyone of that calibre isnt going to happen and youre an idiot for thinking it..the braves have NEVER gone after the top free agents, what makes you think theyre going to now? plus they dont even need to with the uggla trade(i like uggla but we needed an outfielder, not another infielder-assuming prado can play the OF which he has never played professionally was a bad call by wren IMO) the braves need to get a speedy, defensive outfielder that is capable of playing everyday in case mclouth isnt able to get it done(although im fairly optimistic because he hit .273 off the bench when he returned to the lineup in sept.) im liking the way the team is coming together i suppose..just get it done, wren..dont wait this year

    Reply
  25. slider32

    12 years ago

    By signing Hinske, this automatically puts the Braves in the playoffs.

    Reply
  26. braves808

    12 years ago

    why would we want tony gwynn jr? especially as a starter? guy is 28 and batted .204 last year. I’d rather have Mclouth, at least he can hit the ball outta the infield.

    Reply
    • Brad426

      12 years ago

      Because Gwynn can actually PLAY center field.

      Reply
      • generalbocephus

        12 years ago

        If you like Gwynn, then you will love Schafer. He is a better hitter hurt than Gwynn is healthy and very similar defense.

        Reply
        • Brad426

          12 years ago

          Maybe. He didn’t exactly light it up or play stellar defense when he was up and healthy, but that was in a small sample size. The only reason I’m saying Gwynn is because he plays a decent CF and mostly what the Braves need is a guy that can be put in late in a game as a defensive upgrade. If Schafer is ready I’m all for it, I just have my doubts he is.

    • Brad426

      12 years ago

      Because Gwynn can actually PLAY center field.

      Reply
  27. braves808

    12 years ago

    why would we want tony gwynn jr? especially as a starter? guy is 28 and batted .204 last year. I’d rather have Mclouth, at least he can hit the ball outta the infield.

    Reply
  28. Brad426

    12 years ago

    So a year with an option. Good for you, Hinske. Not quite 2 guaranteed years, but at least $1.45M.

    Reply
  29. NYBravosFan10

    12 years ago

    WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes!!! I love Hinske!!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Jake McGee Retires

    Royals Re-Sign Zack Greinke

    Orioles To Decline Five-Year Lease Extension At Camden Yards, Seeking Longer-Term Agreement With Maryland Stadium Authority

    Mariners, Dylan Moore Agree to Three-Year Extension

    Blue Jays Sign Chad Green

    Rays Extend Yandy Diaz

    Dexter Fowler Announces Retirement

    Mets Sign Jeff McNeil To Four-Year Extension

    Red Sox, Marlins Swap Matt Barnes For Richard Bleier

    Darren O’Day Announces Retirement

    Braves Extend Manager Brian Snitker Through 2025

    Rays Sign Pete Fairbanks To Extension

    Royals Sign Aroldis Chapman To One-Year Deal

    Athletics Sign Jesús Aguilar

    Orioles Acquire Cole Irvin From A’s

    Astros Name Dana Brown General Manager

    Rays Extend Jeffrey Springs

    Royals, Red Sox Swap Adalberto Mondesi For Josh Taylor

    Red Sox Designate Matt Barnes For Assignment

    Scott Rolen Elected Into Baseball Hall Of Fame

    Recent

    Dodgers Sign Luke Williams, Yusniel Diaz, Robbie Erlin To Minor League Deals

    Mariners Outright J.B. Bukauskas

    Jake McGee Retires

    Twins’ VP Of Player Personnel Mike Radcliff Passes Away

    Padres Promote Ryan Christenson To Associate Manager

    Diamondbacks Sign Yairo Munoz To Minor League Contract

    Big Hype Prospects: Cowser, Bleday, Alvarez, Outman, Steer

    White Sox Acquire Franklin German, Designate Jason Bilous

    Rangers Sign Bernardo Flores Jr. To Minor League Contract

    Padres Prospect Eguy Rosario Suffers Broken Ankle

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Offseason Outlook Series
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2023
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • MLB Player Chats
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version