Braves Expand Coaching Staff and Add Outfielder to Roster
The Atlanta Braves have bolstered their coaching team by hiring Hugh Quattlebaum and promoting Carlos Mendez from within their organization. Both will serve as assistant hitting coaches under new hitting coach Tim Dyers.
Carlos Mendez’s Journey
Mendez has been with the Braves for 17 years, starting as a minor league coach in 2008 after a professional playing career that began in 1992. He briefly played in the majors, appearing in 26 games for the Baltimore Orioles in 2003, and concluded his playing days in 2007 with Richmond, then Atlanta’s Triple-A affiliate. As a coach, Mendez has worked across multiple levels of Atlanta’s minor league system, gaining valuable experience.
Hugh Quattlebaum’s Background
Quattlebaum arrives from the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he served as assistant director of hitting for two seasons. He also has experience with the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners, including a stint as interim major league hitting coach for the Mets in 2021.
Together, Mendez and Quattlebaum will assist Dyers in shaping the Braves’ hitting strategy for the upcoming season.
Braves Sign Carlos D. Rodriguez
The Braves have signed outfielder Carlos D. Rodriguez to a non-guaranteed, one-year contract, securing him a spot on their 40-man roster. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, but Rodriguez is expected to earn a salary close to the league minimum when on the active roster.
Rodriguez’s Career Highlights
Rodriguez, 24, became a minor league free agent earlier this month after spending his career in the Milwaukee Brewers organization, which he joined as a 16-year-old international signee in 2017. While not a top prospect, he excelled at Double-A last season with a .298/.376/.396 slash line, 132 wRC+, and 15 stolen bases. However, his performance dipped after a midseason promotion to Triple-A, where he hit just .245/.344/.309 with a 79 wRC+.
Why the Braves Took a Chance
The Braves’ interest likely stems from Rodriguez’s solid Double-A performance and strong plate discipline, evidenced by his impressive walk and strikeout rates. However, his struggles in Triple-A and lack of major league experience make the decision to offer a non-guaranteed MLB contract—rather than a minor league deal—unusual.
Center Field Depth
Rodriguez faces stiff competition for playing time, as the Braves already have a strong center field lineup led by Michael Harris II and supported by Jarred Kelenic, Ramón Laureano, Eli White, and Luke Williams. Despite this, the Braves appear optimistic about Rodriguez’s potential to contribute to the team.
