Former Brewers 3rd Baseman Signs Major League Deal with the Braves
The Milwaukee Brewers are not typically known for making major moves in free agency. This offseason, they managed to sign first baseman Rhys Hoskins, who missed the entire 2023 season due to a torn ACL, for $17 million annually. However, his contract includes a player option for the second year, meaning he may not stay with the Brewers beyond this season.
The Brewers often target bargain-bin free agents for short-term deals or until prospects are ready for a Major League promotion. These signings usually involve veteran players who were once near All-Star level but have seen a decline in recent seasons. Examples include Andrew McCutchen, Avisail Garcia, and this year, Gary Sanchez. Many of these players, like former third baseman Brian Anderson, spend only a year in Milwaukee before moving on.
Brian Anderson’s Career and Time with the Brewers
Brian Anderson was once a promising third baseman for the Miami Marlins, hitting .268/.350/.480 with an average of 16 home runs and 66 RBIs per season in 2018 and 2019. In the shortened 2020 season, he maintained a solid performance with a .255/.345/.465 line, 11 home runs, and 38 RBIs in 59 games.
However, injuries and declining performance plagued Anderson over the next two seasons. From 2021-22, he missed 159 games and hit just .233/.322/.359. Anderson signed with the Brewers, hoping for a career revival, but struggled with both injuries and production, hitting .226/.310/.368 with nine home runs and 40 RBIs in 96 games. Consequently, Milwaukee did not re-sign him.
Anderson’s New Opportunity with the Braves
After not being re-signed by the Brewers, Anderson joined the Seattle Mariners on a minor league deal. With Triple-A Tacoma, he hit .270/.358/.439 with six home runs and 28 RBIs in 42 games. Anderson exercised an opt-out clause in his contract and was released on June 1.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Anderson has now signed a Major League deal with the Atlanta Braves. As reported by Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Anderson will be in uniform for the Braves’ next game. To make room for Anderson, the Braves transferred lefty Tyler Matzek from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.
Having spent the first six years of his career in the NL East with Miami, Anderson is familiar with the division. This opportunity with the Braves might be just what he needs to get his Major League career back on track.
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