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Braves Reportedly Expected To Sign Francisco Cervelli

By Jeff Todd | August 22, 2019 at 1:27pm CDT

Just-released Pirates backstop Francisco Cervelli evidently won’t spend much time on the open market. He is slated to ink a deal with the Braves, according to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (via Twitter). Whether it’s of the major or minor-league variety isn’t known.

Cervelli still must clear release waivers before he’ll be able to sign a new deal. But that’s really just a formality, given that he’s still owed the balance of his $11.5MM salary — about $2.4MM. The Braves will only owe him the league minimum rate for any time spent on the MLB roster, with the Bucs paying the rest.

While it seemed at one point earlier this year that Cervelli would not attempt to return to catching duties, he emphatically quashed that concept and has donned the mask on a rehab assignment. Now, he’ll help the Braves cover for the recent loss of Brian McCann. Whether Cervelli will immediately join Tyler Flowers on the MLB roster isn’t known. It’s also possible that the club will tap John Ryan Murphy for that job and then bring up Cervelli once rosters expand.

Cervelli has hit well on his recent rehab stint, but that’s a limited sample against minor-league pitching. He was far from his peak form to begin the season, turning in 123 plate appearances of .193/.279/.248 hitting before he hit the injured list. With a rising chase rate and swinging-strike rate, declining average exit velocity, and worsening strikeout-to-walk numbers (25.2% K vs. 7.3% BB), the poor output was well-deserved.

The Braves will have to hope there’s more left in the tank. Cervelli has been a solid-two-way catcher for quite some time. Just last year, he was able to turn in a healthy .259/.378/.431 slash line with a dozen home runs. Regardless of the outlook with the bat in hand, the Atlanta organization is obviously interested in adding some veteran depth behind the dish. Better options aren’t likely to present themselves over the next week — after which time it will not be possible to acquire a postseason-eligible player. By picking up Cervelli, the club will add another layer of protection in the event that McCann is slow to return.

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Atlanta Braves Newsstand Pittsburgh Pirates Transactions Francisco Cervelli

Pirates Release Francisco Cervelli
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View Comments (68)
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68 Comments

  1. Alex Graboyes

    6 years ago

    Hope he suceeds

    2
    Reply
    • todd76

      6 years ago

      Great pickup. Guy is a gamer.

      4
      Reply
  2. PapiElf

    6 years ago

    What a steal! More injuries!!!

    Reply
  3. Fudd

    6 years ago

    So I guess McCann will be out longer.

    1
    Reply
    • RunDMC

      6 years ago

      Not necessarily. Not much ML depth outside at C. I doubt they believe in AJax and JR Murphy for any amount of time. They could afford this as a tryout and see if he’s worth carrying into Sept when rosters expand over the other guys. Not much risk to take a flyer.

      Reply
      • lezkane

        6 years ago

        Agreed. Seems like the Braves have had such a hard time filling that void since BMac left for the Yankees back in the day.

        Reply
  4. bravesfan

    6 years ago

    Gez not much room for him on the roster. Needs to be a minor league deal right? Nice depth if he can come back healthy. Isn’t he already on the 60 day DL, can the braves sign him to a major league deal without having to make a roster move today?

    Reply
    • deweybelongsinthehall

      6 years ago

      Minor league until 09/01?

      2
      Reply
      • Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA

        6 years ago

        That doesn’t doesn’t truly matter. As long as he’s in the org, by the deadline 8/31, he’s playoff eligible.

        Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          6 years ago

          That’s what I meant.

          Reply
    • sidbream1991

      6 years ago

      McCann just went on the IL. Not sure what kind of deal they’ll give him but he’ll see some time in Atl if he’s healthy.

      Reply
      • Cobe821

        6 years ago

        They’ll pay him the remainder of a league minimum salary. Pittsburgh is on the hook for the bulk of his remaining money.

        Reply
  5. Ry.the.Stunner

    6 years ago

    Shortestfree agency in history?

    Reply
  6. Disco Dave

    6 years ago

    there’s catching and then 8 other guys fill in…

    Reply
  7. kc38

    6 years ago

    Is this not tampering? The Pirates know why he wants to be released, I’m no expert I just figured this sounded like tampering

    3
    Reply
    • Monkey’s Uncle

      6 years ago

      We would need more info than what we have, but this did happen very quickly. Yours is a legit point to raise.

      Reply
      • 00944

        6 years ago

        The post right before this has the information.
        ““Out of respect and appreciation for Francisco, we have chosen to honor his request to be released in order for him to pursue an opportunity that potentially gives him a chance at more playing time, as well as an opportunity this season to compete in the postseason.”

        Reply
        • Monkey’s Uncle

          6 years ago

          That just means that the Pirates decided not to trade him. It doesn’t mean, for instance, that teams didn’t contact Cervelli before he got released.

          Reply
        • Begamin

          6 years ago

          I dont think its about whether or not the Pirates decided to trade him considering the Pirates wouldnt be allowed to trade him if they wanted. You know, the new trade rules ‘n’ all?

          Reply
      • phenomenalajs

        6 years ago

        I’m not sure if it could be considered tampering, but if he hasn’t already cleared release waivers, Atlanta would have to claim him and be responsible for the remainder of the contract, not just the prorated minimum.

        Reply
        • BravesNomad

          6 years ago

          Not true- he was unconditionally released by the Bucs, no waiver process. Hence once it was granted, he could sign a deal with the Braves with the Bucs covering the rest of this yrs salary minus the pro rated amount of league minimum.

          Reply
        • gibbs58

          6 years ago

          So Jeff Todd was incorrect in saying he had to still clear release waivers?

          Reply
    • reflect

      6 years ago

      It’s only tampering if his old team preferred to keep him. A team can give permission for players and other teams to communicate.

      Reply
  8. Monkey’s Uncle

    6 years ago

    This Pirate fan wishes him nothing but the best in Atlanta. No one plays harder than Cervelli.

    5
    Reply
    • NCPiratefan

      6 years ago

      I agree, have enjoyed watch Frankie catch games when I was able to get to PNC. I thought that he was the leader on the field that Marte and others could not be. Now the ship is completely ruderless… not that they haven’t been that way for some time now. Good Luck Frankie!!

      Reply
    • steveb-2

      6 years ago

      I always found it gratifying that Pittsburgh fans saw the same qualities in Cisco as NYC. But all those concussions, and a poor decision, held him back.

      Reply
  9. JZodiax

    6 years ago

    That was quick

    Reply
  10. tiredolddude

    6 years ago

    All the best to Frankie. Good guy who worked hard here. Glad he’s able to leave this ship of stiffs

    3
    Reply
  11. Backatitagain

    6 years ago

    Now that the rumored plan is out, he will probably get claimed. Or, the crooked New York biased mlb office will interfere.

    Reply
    • BravesNomad

      6 years ago

      Not true- he was unconditionally released by the Bucs, no waiver process and nothing to tamper with.

      3
      Reply
      • 802Ghost

        6 years ago

        The article states he needs to clear waivers, but it’s basically just a formality.

        Reply
  12. brandons-3

    6 years ago

    It’ll take another 24-48 hours for the Braves best writers to get the memo

    1
    Reply
  13. joedirte4life

    6 years ago

    I thought he said he was done woth catching because of concussion issues. Besides Alex Jackson has 24 HRs in AAA give him a chance.

    3
    Reply
    • inkstainedscribe

      6 years ago

      Jackson can stick with the club through September, too. Flowers has had a tough season at the plate and behind it. Murphy, Cervelli, Jackson … depth is a good thing if McCann’s knee doesn’t heal quickly.

      Reply
    • Monkey’s Uncle

      6 years ago

      Cervelli did at one point say he was done with catching, but he backtracked from that a few days later.

      Reply
  14. BaseballBrian

    6 years ago

    He’s garbage.

    1
    Reply
  15. TradeAcuna

    6 years ago

    I like it. Even with his production this year, I’d take him over Flowers and McCann.

    Reply
    • DTD

      6 years ago

      Why McCann? He’s had a good yr and the young pitchers love him.

      Reply
      • TradeAcuna

        6 years ago

        He had a good 1st half. His second half has been terrible, particularly as a hitter. The Braves 5-8 is not very good (right now) and their catchers play a big part of it. Unfortunately for the Braves, this catchers problem might persist into 2020. They have no one capable of taking over the spot. Alex Jackson is terrible and will not survive in the MLB.

        Reply
      • Ctrl alt dlt

        6 years ago

        he’s a troll

        Reply
      • fabulous61

        6 years ago

        If you’ll go back and check the season numbers the Braves pitchers have pitched more solid performances with Flowers catching, including relievers. Yes he’s had problems hitting this year but when he’s hit balls into the corner or off the wall they haven’t ended up being singles. If you’ll check McCanns numbers you’ll see he’s been steadily declining at the plate for 2 months, he’s only thrown out 1 runner stealing all season and his pitch calling sucks. Even Keuchels best outings have been with Flowers catching. They said during the game Wednesday night that Flowers has the lower catchers era. Meaning there have been less earned runs given up by the pitchers with Flowers catching and that’s simply because he calls a better game than McCann does. I’ve always liked McCann but his game calling and pitch framing suck and he’s slower than my dead grandma.

        Reply
  16. chippahawk

    6 years ago

    Note to self: AA likes doing his business during the season.

    Reply
    • Ctrl alt dlt

      6 years ago

      basically the only off-season move he’s made is to get JD twice

      Reply
  17. emt126

    6 years ago

    Hope the disrespectful jack off flops!

    Reply
  18. Braves4Ever2025

    6 years ago

    Tyler Flowers is terrible so even if Mac is back Cervelli should replace Flowers sorry butt

    Reply
  19. aceofrainbows

    6 years ago

    “Emphatically quashed” is such a great phrase.

    1
    Reply
  20. Robertowannabe

    6 years ago

    Would not be surprised if he takes a couple of foul tips off of his mask again and he lands back on the IL with another concussion. He got concussed by having a couple of balls off of his mask just this season.

    Reply
  21. allthingsatl

    6 years ago

    Gotta give it to the Braves front office, the holes that have been created since the trade deadline they have filled with a quality veteran pretty fast. They are doing their part

    2
    Reply
  22. Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher

    6 years ago

    Braves getting desperate. Who’s next? Bartolo Colon?

    Reply
    • Robertowannabe

      6 years ago

      Teams can’t makes trades any more.. If a team feels that they need depth at a position, this is the only way it is going to happen now. Pickings are gonna be slim.

      Reply
  23. steelerbravenation

    6 years ago

    Not a bad depth signing
    Next year bring McCann back & sign Austin Romine to split time
    When Contreras is ready Romine is the mentor/backup
    Or just get the rebuilding Giants to move Buster oh wait yeah he just means so much to the organization so they will never trade him. Meanwhile the twilight of his career will be playing on a god awful rebuilding team.
    Giants really take care of their heros

    Reply
  24. 66TheNumberOfTheBest

    6 years ago

    What is the Pirates motivation for doing this?

    If Cervelli had a chance to play a key role for another team, that would be one thing. Doing right by veterans helps you in free agency in the long run, but…

    The value he could bring to Diaz and Stallings teaching them how to handle a staff (maybe it’s a coincidence that the Pirates pitching staff fell off a cliff after losing Cervelli and maybe it’s not) would seem to make it worth keeping him around for the ROS.

    Reply
    • Robertowannabe

      6 years ago

      Diaz and Stallings have been around Frankie for a few years now. Probably has imparted as much wisdom as he probably could already.

      Reply
    • Mendoza Line 215

      6 years ago

      I did not think of that pitching correlation Josh.
      I have soured on Diaz as a catcher,and Stallings is basically a rookie.
      I think that the Pirate did this same thing as a sort of favor to Sadler at the start of the year.
      I do not mind them being nice to someone like Cervelli,who proved his worth when healthy.My first thought was that they are saving over $2M,but they are not.
      Morally,if they are footing this extensive bill,they very well could have brought him up in September to play and mentor,since it does not seem that the coaches are doing their job.
      As to gozurman’s point,he probably did “coach” those two guys,and if he did,then I wish him luck the rest of this year.

      Reply
  25. SecsSeksSecks

    6 years ago

    I’m a little unclear about his release status. I thought when a player was unconditionally released he did not have to go through waivers. This articles claims that he has been released but still must clear waivers. Good job to MLBTR for getting this so quick. Even now, several hours later, it is all over TV that Cervelli has been released by the Pirates but I haven’t heard anywhere that he is signing with Atlanta. If he does actually have to clear waivers and he is only owed around $3 mill the rest of the season wouldn’t that technically make the waiver process a little more than just a “formality?” I could see some team behind the Braves like Philadelphia, the Mets, DC, or with all their catching problems even the Cubs claiming him if for no other reason than to prevent him from going to the Braves. And if this article is correct and he truly does still have to go through waivers how would anyone know that he plans on signing with the Braves once he does? Seems like he could get claimed or just flat out change his mind and decide to sign as a back up for another team with an even better record than the Braves between now and then. Also… has anyone heard anything about how Contreras or Langoliers are doing? It would seem that with the Braves spending a top 9 overall draft pick on a college catcher that Langoliers would be the catcher of he future in their minds. Why not bring up Contreras now so he can hold it down until Langoliers gets here. Is Langoliers in the Braves minor league system yet or is he still playing out his final year in college? A lot of questions, I know, but if anyone has the answer to any or all of these I would love to find out.

    Reply
    • braveshomer

      6 years ago

      why are all your posts so unnecessarily long?!…ever notice most don’t respond to what you say?…that’s the reason…bwhahaha

      Reply
    • A-A

      6 years ago

      No team will pay him $2.5million for 6 weeks, especially not to just “screw” the Braves. It is uncertain if he will ever catch again, and as a glove/arm/framing guy he carries negative value as a DH/1B

      Obviously he believes the Braves provide the best chance to play in Sept with expanded rosters and to make a post season roster

      Reply
      • Robertowannabe

        6 years ago

        He has been catching in the minors on a rehab assignment.

        Reply
      • Cobe821

        6 years ago

        The Pirates are on the hook for that money. Nobody will be paying that, they’ll only have to pay a prorated amount of a league minimum salary.

        Reply
    • southi

      6 years ago

      Contreras has been inconsistent for the most part. He hasn’t hit well and could probably deal with starting 2020 in AA again. He is far from ready.

      Shea Langeliers is probably just tired from adjusting to a long season. He has split time between DH and catching but definitely has had some struggles with the bat (but not with out hope).

      Reply
  26. bobby cox

    6 years ago

    Guy thinks he’s better than the team. Don’t want him.

    Reply
    • MarinerSteve

      6 years ago

      No evidence of this. Great team player. Always injured and lost his starting job plus rookie backup is hitting 290

      1
      Reply
    • steveb-2

      6 years ago

      No, you’re wrong there. This guy wears his heart on his sleeve.

      Reply
  27. MarinerSteve

    6 years ago

    Nice guy, positive team player but just can’t stay on the field. Maybe as a backup playing 1-2 times a week he can stay in the majors

    Reply
  28. steveb-2

    6 years ago

    I’ve been a big fan of Cisco’s since 2008.
    The Braves couldn’t have gotten a better gamer. I only hope he stays healthy. And if he has anything left in the tank, he’ll be a welcome addition & fan favorite in Atlanta.

    Reply
  29. T_Rexx2

    6 years ago

    I like him a lot, kinda was hoping the phils would grab him as a back up… Knapp needs to go to sleep.

    Reply
    • Mendoza Line 215

      6 years ago

      I think that Knapp was sleeping.But someone woke him up.
      Knapp actually has been hitting much better recently.
      He had a decent year last year or 2017.He may come around.

      Reply
  30. George Vasios

    6 years ago

    Scott Hatteberg called ……. great pickup!

    Reply

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