The Braves have agreed to a one-year major league deal with free agent righty Bud Norris, the club announced. He’ll earn $2.5MM for 2016, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (via Twitter).
Norris, 30, will look for redemption in Atlanta after suffering through a rough 2015 season. On the year, he allowed 6.72 earned runs per nine over 83 innings with 7.7 K/9 against 3.4 BB/9. Along the way, Norris lost his rotation spot and ultimately his roster spot with the Orioles before landing in the Padres’ bullpen.
The Braves will plug Norris into the rotation, GM John Coppolella tells David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Twitter link). He has been useful in such a role previously, of course: in 955 2/3 career innings as a starter, Norris owns a 4.38 ERA. And that’s skewed somewhat by his early-career results.
Atlanta obviously needed another depth piece in its rotation. While there are a number of young players at or near the majors, the staff has a fair bit of uncertainty. The only sure things, arguably, are Shelby Miller and Julio Teheran, but it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if either or both ended up being traded.
If the righty doesn’t transition well back to the starting staff, he could always turn into a useful reliever. Norris did manage a career-best 11.3 K/9 rate while working in the San Diego pen last season.
Thank god! A veteran to help the young braves staff
Help them with the location of the best restaurants and bars in NL cities.
Gee!!!! another pitcher, now we’re set. We could I guess run 9 pitchers out there and let each guy rotate to every hitter that comes up. That would create havoc for the opposing manager for matchups! In all seriousness- this is a depth move in case we move either Julio or Shelby. I would expect a few more of these signings before we’re done.
Yup, you kinda need relievers unless you planned on using all the prospects in the bullpen…
Braves gave up 760 runs last year, 3rd most in all of baseball. Only The Tigers and Rockies were worse. We also have some spots in the rotation that need to be filled. if he does well he could bring back some decent mid tier prospects to help with the continuing rebuilding. I think it is a great signing. Norris was good while he was in the NL and The Braves have to hope he can recapture that.
Why would the Braves trade Miller? It’s only his first year of arb. eligibility, and he’ll still be under team control in 2017 and 2018 when they expect to contend.
Well said, partner. Cause unless any of y’all know people in Braves management personally, I to fully expect Miller to be our ‘Ace’ come opening day, in 2016. Followed by (and quite rightfully so, IMHO) J. Teheran.
Nice signing. Gives us Depth to deal for offense from.
Nah, I think they’re gonna run Freddie Freeman and 8 pitchers out there every day.
In other words, we’re improving our offense from last year.
Sad but probably true!
Everyone talks about the offense. The Offense scored the same 573 runs in 2015 as it did in 2014 for The Braves. Granted it was near last and last those years, but the pitching giving up 760 runs is a huge area of concern and if you can get a guy cheap then it is wise to do so. The 760 runs given up last season to me is far more troubling than the 573 runs we scored last year.
I am more concerned with player development rather than team performance at this point. We know they are going to be bad, so let’s just hope the young arms improve as the season progresses. Norris is a nice plug in to have in the rotation. If he performs, he brings back value at the deadline. If he doesn’t, he can serve as middle relief. Very little risk involved iMO.
Have yourself a Bud light Bud Norris.
braves seemed to have pitched from last year. millerm tehran, weisler, beunolos, foltenevitz, and a couple other starters. they just need to develop them further along, unless the braves planning on moving them to the bullpen. the astro’s starters didnt just happen overnight. it took a couple of years of development for them.
Might end up being a real bargain. And, if he gets his act together, he can be flipped
Braves really have an ace now !!
This doesn’t make sense for the Braves. They really won’t be able to trade him mid season for a sizable haul. Plus, he would only work for teams who need a 4/5 starter and a chance to compete.
It’s only 2.5 million. They don’t need to get a sizeable haul for it to make sense. It also gives them another option if they do decide to move Miller and/or Teheran.
I guess you’re right. Its not like anyone else was clamoring for his service and you gotta be semi competitive.
If he pitches reasonably well, he gets moved for a prospect or two, that is worth the 2.5 on his/their own. Great move, if it works. If not, it won’t hurt much, in a year where 90 losses is expected.
True, I remember when Norris was a decent pitcher. Maybe he can find his old groove.
How does a one year deal not make sense, ever?
Good Investment
Ben sheets 2.0?
Winter meetings trade am calling that this sets up a trade.
I was about to say this same thing! I could definitely see this being the replacement to Miller/Teheran trade for a controllable, proven big bat (My guess is Frazier or Soler).
Liked Norris when I first saw him pitch for the Stro’s & now like him even more that he is a Brave. Well done, Coppolella. Just don’t let it get to your head yet though, partner. ; )
Norris must really want to still be a starter – come to the Pen Bud and resurrect your career
finally the braves didnt screw up …
How about Brandon Beachy, Josh Johnson, Dillon Gee or Chad Billingsly. All in the same catagogy.
Don’t overlook Danny Hultzen from the Rule V. Lefthander, could be great if healthy.
Braves are getting really serious; get your WS tickets now!