The Braves have agreed to a minor-league deal with veteran slugger Ryan Howard, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman (Twitter link). He’ll head to extended Spring Training before taking a minor-league assignment. Howard will earn at a palatable $750K annual rate if he makes it to the majors, Jon Heyman of Fan Rag tweets.
Howard, 37, had a quiet offseason after the Phillies paid him a $10MM buyout rather than picking up their club option following the 2016 campaign. But he’s now headed to a division rival after wrapping up a 13-year run in Philly.
Whether Howard will ever see the majors with Atlanta remains to be seen, of course. He’s not exactly a clear fit for a National League roster that features Freddie Freeman at first base. Perhaps, though, he’ll function as an insurance policy while burnishing his resume should another opportunity arise. It’s also possible that Howard could ultimately take a spot as a bench bat for the Braves.
The market was not kind to lumbering power hitters this winter. With younger, somewhat more defensively capable players signing for far less than expected or even taking minors deals, Howard faced an uphill path to earning a MLB job. Veteran DH Billy Butler has still yet to sign.
Howard certainly still has some pop left in his bat. Last year, he swatted 25 long balls in just 362 plate appearances. He also struck out 31.5% of the time and slashed just .196/.257/.453, though that was driven in part by a meager .205 batting average on balls in play.
That said, Howard did make hard contact 45.9% of the time he did put bat to ball, a level he hadn’t reached since way back in 2009 — his last season as a high-quality regular. Being limited almost exclusively to facing right-handed pitching probably influenced that figure, though. Howard has long been much more successful when hitting with the platoon advantage, with more than .200 OPS points separating his career splits, and it’s hard to imagine him squaring up against southpaws much at all from this point onward.
LOL!
Mistake by the Lake
This could refer to several cities…if it’s about Cleveland, spot on.
I hate my city. I’m vocal about it. We finally have a good baseball team though to go with the Cavs. But the Browns are my favorite and they are the worst pro sports franchise of all time.
But still… somebody signed Ryan Howard! LOLOLOLOLOLOL
One step forward, twenty five steps backwards
Haha, that is awesome.
Plz stop braves…
Why?????
Why not?
Because he’s not good? From 2012-2016, out of 340 qualified players, he’s 336th in WAR. And if we set the limit to players with 2000 PA, he’s Dead Last.
It’s just a minor league deal. Chill out people.
because he hit 25 Home runs last season and is an experienced veteran
Not to mention won a World Series
All by himself.
Yeaaaaa, I’m just not sure about that right now
good for him
Phillips, Howard, Dickey, Colon this team would be sooo good in 2009
don’t forget matt kemp
And Markakis
A bench basher
Why would he go to the team with the best left handed hitting first basemen in the league?
He did not go to the Reds.
Touché.
Freeman is better than votto
Purely offensively, I’d take votto but it’s close, but they’re really similar actually overall. Last year’s wRC was 158-152 in joeys favor, so it’s really a toss up though.
Read the article: getting back into shape while proving himself to either be the 1B backup bench bat for ATL or auditioning for another team. Butler is not getting paid right now to go to Planet Fitness and stay in shape, hoping Billy Beane makes another mistake.
Coz no one else wanted him
Damn, I should have tried out. I mean I can’t hit a 83 mph fastball without movement anymore, but neither can he.
But he has a lot of experience and could be a useful bench at. I think the biggest incentive for this signing is the lessons Freeman could learn from a former MVP left handed slugger. Howard can help Freeman just like Colon and Dickey are mentoring the pitchers. I say good signing overall
I agree it’s a good signing but only because of the low investment cost and the relative impact it has on 1B & bench power.
I disagree that “the biggest incentive” is potential benefits for Freddie Freeman. That guy’s the best player on the team, one of the best at his position, was 6th in MPV voting last year … and I could on and on about his accolades.
Ryan Howard hasn’t been all that good for like the past 5 years. This doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the knowledge that an elite player acquires or that he can’t help other players. I just don’t see his primary value to be in helping Freeman because that’s failing to realize the truth of all that’s involved here.
You can go on and on about Freeman, but no one is good enough that they can’t learn something new.
Who knows, maybe Howard can get Freeman to level out his swing a bit instead up swinging up.
The last thing I want is Ryan Howard teaching Freddie Freeman how to swing. Freddie’s no rookie that needs mentorship. He’s a fringe-MVP candidate with 900+ games under his belt. There’s always something new to learn, but Ryan Howard isn’t exactly known for his pure hitting skills.
I also don’t buy the advantage to freeman as any part leave part of the reasoning, they could have gotten a personal coach or something if they wanted to spend money on that
If he comes off the bench and gets even a few key hits over the course of a season he’s already paid what little they have invested in this. His value in the clubhouse will certainly enhance his value
Being a bench bat w. power is the only upside I see for him. I’ve never been a fan of his (as a player), but I agree with Fuchholz that a few key hits and it works out for ATL.
Who really cares there not paying him nothing hardly
He was gonna try and sign with the Mets..until they signed Tim Kardashian…
That’s power off the bench.
Jeez the idiots on here acting as though the Braves just signed Howard to a one year 15 million dollar major league deal.
Dude, you got two dislikes from two internet basement dwellers. Oh no, what will you do?
They probably just missed the memo about Ryan Howard being horrible since 2012.
Or they signed him for practically nothing and he still has really good power.
That’s exactly what your mom said
But does his mom swallow?
I honestly don’t know but this makes me happy.
wonder if he still gets free subway
probably not, but at least he’s not working at Subway…
ducks eat for free at subway
Awesome Mitch Hedberg reference
Well, didn’t see that one coming. He could be useful off the bench, if he makes it that far.
What…
Great signing by Braves! They need a power bench bat in the worst way, Anthony Recker doesn’t qualify as that. Howard is a great addition and will also hopefully be a good mentor for the players. His experience as a left handed slugger should help Freeman in the long run.
Does Freeman still need a mentor in his 7th full season in the league?
One can always learn more I suppose.
What are you talking about JD… I do not see how he can help Freeman at all. Freeman has 1B on lockdown and howard really doesn’t fit as a bench piece because he can’t pitch hit for anyone and stay in the game. He’s literally a once a week type player for us. Maybe he gives freeman a break here and there, but most likely comes in and hits for a pitcher when the game isn’t on the line.
if he even reaches the major leagues
Recker isn’t supposed to qualify as a power bat. He is supposed to qualify as a backup catcher when we use the other catcher who isn’t starting that day as a pinch hitter. And I don’t think this qualifies as a great move. Decent maybe. Low risk, but also presumably low reward. He still has power but can barely make contact to take advantage of that power. And he can’t be “tutoring” FF as everybody keeps saying while he is in AAA
As a braves fan this is one of the players I can not stand nothing good comes from philly except the show it’s always sunny from Philadelphia and that’s not even shot in philly
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is indeed shot on locations in Philadelphia..see IMDB.
I like G. Love and Special Sauce. They’re from Philly. And I like Will Smith, the actor/rapper, not the the SF Giants pitcher that just blew out his elbow. The board game Monopoly started in Philadelphia, the toilet roll was invented there, and Dubble Bubble, the first chewing gum, comes from Philly. So yea, there are some good things coming out of that city. Take back what you said. 🙂 🙂
How dare you forget Philly’s greatest hero of all, Rocky Balboa.
I hope he doesn’t take back what he said just because you told him to
Well personally I’d rather have Howard as a threat coming off the bench to hit instead of Bonafacio. Howard has power so in some situations he would be a fine option to hit off the bench.
Of course by no means should Howard be used defensively nor against left-handed pitchers. With defensive versatile players like Chase d’Arnauld and Jace Peterson available the braves could afford an extremely limited role player like Howard sitting on the pine. I mean it isn’t like they are carrying four catchers on their roster.
So many quick negative knee jerk reactions. To me it looks like an unconventional solution to have a homerun threat on the bench.
Idk if that catcher comment was supposed to be sarcastic, but they are only carrying 3 catchers. Also, I would much rather have Bonifacio than Howard. Who cares if we already have 2 guys like him. I would take his speed and defensive versatility alone over everything Howard brings to the table. Howard can’t barely hit anymore and he can only play 1 position, and he’s not even very good at that anymore.
You see what Bonifacio did tonight strikeout 4 pitches
Yup. Like I’ve been saying. “Threats” off the bench are laughable. Chace struck out looking in a crucial situation the other night also.
Oh Wow! Didn’t see this one coming. Is Freeman injured? Why would the Braves even need Howard?
Howard is not a replacement for Freeman. For one thing, he’s one of the very worst players in baseball, and for another, he has to go through some spring training to be ready. At best he’s a pinch-hitter deep on the bench.
When I read that Snitker was saying that Markakis would be the 1B backup I was concerned that this was a spot they improve on. However, it’s not a priority, and a minor league contract for a LH power hitter isn’t so bad. It could just be a Band Aid-type fix for right now.
Howard has recent experience with the NL East and there are several veterans that have proven to be among the elite, albeit they aren’t any more but primarily due to aging effects, and so I expect Ryan Howard should fit in with this team. Also, the Braves don’t have much of a power threat off the bench, so this might help there.
Lastly, remember Julio Franco? Lots of fans laughed about that signing but he made them eat it. I’m not claiming that’s gonna happen with Howard but we should be open to the possibility that Howard could be a worthwhile addition.
In a tie game last night, they had to decide between Chase d’Arnaud and Emilio Bonifacio as a PH.
That’s why. Howard is completely over the hill, but he still hit 25 HR last year. He is a better PH option than what they’ve got.
No he isn’t. Yes, he hit 25 HR, but he had a what, .195 BA? If we used him strictly in pinch hitting situations he wouldn’t get very many AB’s, and with that measly contact, most every pinch hitting opportunity he gets would end with an out.
This sounds weirdly smart,. If someone is injured he comes up. If he’s hitting the ball in the minors, maybe he gets swapped to another team that has a need. He’s not expensive either at the ML or minor league level.
People always act like these signings will lead to player suddenly being on the MLB team or they have no clue about MILB. This is a great signing by the Braves even if he just stays on their AAA team.
I think you mean *MLB
No, he means MiLB. That’s the minor leagues.
My bad..brain fart..
Awesome with the Mitch Hedberg reference.
I say use him off the bench now. I mean come on, last night Braves have bases loaded 1 out late innings and Bonafacio is our threat off the bench to pinch hit for the pitcher… get real. Do you think the Mets were even slightly on their heels. Not enough close. Worst bench in baseball.
Yea, but would you rather have Bonafacio (sic) on the bench or Howard? As a defensive sub I’d rather have Bonifacio and also as a pinch runner. Also, in a low-scoring and close game, I’d take the guy who’s got the OBP although it’s been a while since Bonifacio’s shown that.
Realistically though, to “use him off the bench now” would be unwarranted. Fools rush in … In that specific AB no one would have been up there looking for anything other than a base hit. Is that Ryan Howard’s M.O.?
And a final comment: The Braves might have the worst bench in the Majors right now and I alsoI think some of the starters would be the equivalent of “bench guys” on a winning team. But this is WAY early into the season and every team is still looking to see what they’ve got to win with. Positional depth isn’t a priority for the Braves and while they’d of course want to win, they’re not all-in. The better course now is to let it be. Bonifacio was ok in spring training and he toiled in the Minors all of last year so I think he’s earned a shot. Put him in the game, in situations just like last night, and let’s see what he can do.
Sorry Keith Lockhart’s glove although Bonafacio is undoubtedly a much better (and more versatile) defensive player there is very few I’d think who believe that Bonafacio in MOST cases would be the better pinch hitting threat. With the Braves already having defensive flexible players like Chase d’Arnaud and Jace Peterson the no power traditionally weak hitting Bonafacio is just a weaker version of those two. Bonafacio doesn’t offer the lightning quick strike off the bench that Howard could.
The Braves signed Howard to a minor league deal with a very low major league price (assuming they ever even bring him up) and he offers something that they don’t have on the bench right now. Not a bad signing when you think about it.
I agree with early in the season and with the “bench guys” comments. Just sucks to have such a bad bench. #bringbackchipper
Dhoovey, he is not a bat you bring in with bases juiced in a tie game. He is one you put in with a tie game or losing by one with two outs. He will strikeout. He will also have 3 all or nothing swings. Just sit there and pray he hits one. Good Pickup
And Bonifacio is?
As long as they only use him against RHP’s that can’t break 90 on their fastball he’ll be ok.
I just can’t see them using a 25-man roster spot on him……ever.
As bad as the Braves bench is, he immediately becomes their best PH option.
They had to use Emilio Bonifacio last night in a high leverage situation.
Big Sexy, RA Dickey and now Ryan Howard. That’s awesome
I do not understand the thinking behind this. If the Atlanta Braves are building a baseball team why are they signing a 37-year-old left-handed hitter who makes context so infrequently that is on base percentage is something around the Mendoza line? OK I exaggerate but only slightly. Is this a statement about the Braves farm system not being able to produce a quality player at the first base position? What this says about the Atlanta Braves thinking is that the Atlanta Braves are clearly not thinking. The only league where Ryan Howard is going to strike fear in the heart of pitchers will be in the 40 and over men’s senior league. Another questionable movie made by the Braves brass that just makes you stop, scratch your ass, and say “Huh?”
I would definitely rate his chances of helping the Braves off the bench higher than Tim Tebow helping the Mets. I’d say this is a good deal for the Braves.
This move doesn’t make sense. No matter how much money we spent, it’s just wasted money.
After the 2016 all star break Howard hit .262 with 13 homers in 142 PAs.
Thank you. I’d have that bat on my bench for 750,000.
You all act like this is a bad signing
It’s a minors deal with one of the most powerful offensive 1st man in the last 10 years
Every team out there would like this kind of depth
1st baseman
In his prime everyone would want this depth. Not now. Your an idiot
It’s you’re an idiot
You’re welcome
Next time you try to say you’re an idiot to someone… using the proper you’re will help
It’s depth moron
There’s a signing like this every year and the hysterics never cease to amaze me. Howard is bench power bat on a minor league contract. It’s not like there was a market for him at all over the winter… if the Braves were anticipating Howard getting lots of meaningful ABs you’d think they’d have signed him BEFORE spring training.
Astonishing to me Billy Butler is still out of a job. Dude only turns 31 in a couple of days and there’s plenty left in his bat. Butler will ALWAYS be a solid, professional hitter who keeps the line moving. Why isn’t this guy signed yet?
Because he sucks now
I haven’t been as intimate with him as you have, markb, but I do know the dude can still hit.
Braves trade Ryan Howard to New York Mets for Kelly Johnson
#FluxCapacitor
He has no business in the NL, his only chance at getting ABs should be in the AL as a DH.
Surprising but no-risk move. Major league benches are so small now – I think Texas, for example, is carrying only three bench players and the Reds are carrying a mind-boggling 9(!) relievers – there really isn’t room for a pinch-hitting specialist. The days of Matt Stairs and John Vanderwal and Rusty Staub are long gone. Howard doesn’t bring anything to the table defensively, of course, and it’s not like Atlanta is going to put him in the outfield or something. Maybe he looks good enough to get moved to an AL team but I’ll bet he’ll get a few at-bats for the Braves when they play an interleague series and then be gone. Interesting career. He went from being overrated but well-liked to universally loathed simply because the Phils didn’t recognize his value and gave him that huge extension. Of course he was going to sign it.
I had a feeling for a while that them braves were gonna trade Freddie freeman. Strange choice in howard as heir to the throne tho i will admit that. I bet freeman is traded to the mets for rosario matz and smith.
Heck no
I hope he does really well and tells all of you to take that one in the butt. It’s low risk high reward
Boy it would be nice if Howard could bounce back. It’s a stretch but if he could play like he did in the second half last year we could move Freeman (who has a cannon) to 3rd where he played in high school anyway and have Howard at 1st. Freeman, Kemp, and Howard 3-4-5 would be killer if Howard could play the way he did in the second half. I like this signing.
The four catchers comment is a direct reference to the opening day roster of the Padres. My point being that there are multiple ways to construct rosters based on the desired goals of the upper management in charge of that specific teams.
My comments about not needing to duplicate the defensive versatility of Peterson and d’Arnauld was because of the current setup of the Braves roster you don’t really have any position players that are likely to be pinch hit for. So the bigger need off the bench would be some instant strike capability. At least that is my own personal opinion (and possibly that of the Braves since they are the ones who actually signed and are paying Howard). You are certainly entitled to expressing your own opinions. In any event we all will have to wait to see what happens since Howard quite possibly will never make the Atlanta 25 man roster.
This was meant as a response to Bravesboi, but obviously I must have clicked on the wrong button on my phone and made a general reply instead.
Too bad he had a hard time seeing outside pitches cause his nose got in the way