The Braves have signed veteran utility player Brock Holt to a minor league deal, per Bill Shanks of SportsRadio WXKO. He’s received an invite to big league camp and will compete for a bench role.
Holt, turning 34 in June, has played in each of the last ten MLB seasons, primarily with the Red Sox, but also spending some time with the Pirates, Brewers, Nationals and Rangers. In 753 games, he’s made 2,661 plate appearances. He’s never been a huge power threat with the bat, only hitting 25 home runs in that time. However, he’s still occasionally been competent at the plate, with a career slash line of .262/.332/.362, wRC+ of 89, 19.1% strikeout rate and 8.8% walk rate. Last year, with the Rangers, he had a bit of a swoon, hitting just .209/.281/.298 for a wRC+ of 62.
Defensively, Holt brings great versatility to the table, having some spent some time at every position except catcher, even logging 2 1/3 innings of mop-up duty on the mound. However, he’s spent most of his career innings at second base, third base and left field.
The Braves already have Orlando Arcia as a bench/utility option on the 40-man roster. They also added Phil Gosselin and Pat Valaika into the mix this week, with Holt likely competing against that bunch for a roster spot and playing time.
The battle for the bench. Probably a better bench than last year.
Minor league deal with an invite, nothing lost but probably nothing gained.
Speaking of Hall of Fame players.
Yea. I think many of us remember when some Boston fans were really touting how incredible Holt is. But, it’s not like that doesn’t exist with my fellow Braves fans. Charlie Culberson was our version of that.
I wouldn’t even mention it if it weren’t for BoSox fans bumping their gums about Refsnider non stop.
Funny how Culberson and Holt were both on the Rangers last season with essentially the same job, and the Rangers brought Culberson back but not Holt.
Anyway, Gosselin will get the spot.
Holy turned into a pumpkin the moment he left the Red Sox. This will probably be his last shot at a ML roster spot. Go get ‘em, tiger
BROCK HOLT!
I see what you did there
Mi Hermano
I don’t understand the question and I won’t respond to it
Understudy for Brock Holt?
The Braves bench stinks this year.
Holt may benefit from the fact that out of those 4 players, he’s the only lefty, and would thus be the only lefty off the bench.
Was hoping the Brockstar would get his shot!
Not really gonna be a whole lot of PH at bats now with DH.
Couldn’t understand why the Orioles never went after Holt, considering their revolving door infield.
He’s not that desperate perhaps?
The rich get richer !!
Why?
Can’t complain. Only upside, albeit limited, in this deal.
In over 50 years of being a fan of the Sox, Brock Holt is one of my top 3 Sox players to watch, not the best, but to watch. He plays the game with grit and a joy that you don’t see too often. He’s willing to play anywhere , a great clubhouse guy and has the best walk up music! Also he gets very involved with his community. I hope he makes the roster and does well.
Hi baseball IQ, great baserunner can be added to your list. Future manager if he chooses to stay in the game.
I can definitely see Holt as a manager someday.
Me like Holt!
I was hoping that my Royals would have done this deal. Brock Holt has been and is one of my favorite players to watch, even when he’s been on the other side. Gives 110%. Brock is sort of like Jarrod Dyson and Whit Merrifield in that he came out of nowhere to have a productive career in MLB based largely on determination and hard work.
Hope he makes the team. Braves fans will love the Brockstar