Catcher Kevan Smith has elected free agency after clearing outright waivers, according to his transactions log at MLB.com. The Braves designated Smith for assignment on Wednesday.
Smith signed a minor league deal with the Rays over the offseason. He was selected to Tampa Bay’s big league roster in early May and traded to the Braves less than two weeks later. The right-handed hitting Smith logged fairly decent playing time in Atlanta with Travis d’Arnaud on the injured list, but he hit just .165/.248/.198 over 101 plate appearances. That’s a far cry from Smith’s generally decent work at the dish, as the 33-year-old carried a career .272/.321/.384 line into the 2021 campaign.
That track record seems likely to garner Smith some minor league opportunities from clubs looking to bolster their catching depth. Should he latch on elsewhere before August 31, Smith would be eligible to be added to his signing team’s postseason roster.
I wish Kevan well. I hope he catches on somewhere.
Kevan had always hit before coming to the Braves. Seemed like a good move at the time but the Braves would’ve probably done just the same keeping Mathis instead.
I hear he has to shoot Clerks 3 anyway 😉
With what he’s done this year and to where he was going to start the year anyway, odd he’d elect free agency. Idk really who’d take him in. Did absolutely nothing in the ATL, quite frankly worse than a pitcher hitting. But good luck anyway. Maybe with the skeeter sized BA maybe he can go play with the skeeters.
You’re right… felt like a pitcher would put up more competitive AB’s and his defense was rough
I think with ATL having d’Arnaud and Vogt on MLB roster, plus Contreras on the 40 man, he probably figured he’d be unlikely to get another shot on Braves MLB roster
Angels should sign him. He was decent with the Halos when he was in the organization. Could provide some depth just in case, especially after losing Bemboom to the Doyers.
Rays could always bring him back too for aaa club. They’ve done it the last few years.
Go get him, Phillies. Signed: a Braves fan.
Man he was bad. Made Javy Lopez look like a good glover. Could not hit at all..I think Braves will resign Travis D, maybe another 2 yr deal
Javy Lopez had a career .992 fielding percentage. And his bat made up for anything he lacked calling games. Smith has just been awful.
He was rated in the top-13 in MLB in pitch framing, but doesn’t make up for his instant out.
Maybe the picture posted should be him swinging and missing
He’ll get invited to someone’s spring training camp next season. As the Braves proved this year you apparently cannot have enough Catchers