For Atlanta Braves fans, any update is a welcome change, as the offseason has been relatively quiet so far. Aside from an early payroll purge, the Braves’ general manager, Alex Anthopoulos, has kept a tight lid on the team’s plans, leading to speculation that they might not make any major moves. However, it’s more likely that Atlanta will spring a surprise or two that no one expects until it’s officially announced. The notion that the Braves aren’t in a strong position heading into next season is far-fetched.
That said, the team continues to focus on adding depth where possible, and their latest move saw them sign infielder Eddy Alvarez to a minor league contract, a strategic decision to strengthen their infield depth. Alvarez, who has spent time with the Marlins, Dodgers, and Mets, comes to the Braves with a .501 OPS across 153 major league plate appearances. At nearly 35 years old, and with limited offensive production, he is unlikely to be the next Orlando Arcia replacement.
Nonetheless, the Braves have several infielders on their 40-man roster whose roles remain uncertain, and by signing Alvarez, they’re adding depth for spring training. This follows the team’s earlier acquisition of Nick Allen and their focus on strengthening their infield options through the Rule 5 Draft. While these moves don’t immediately indicate that any of these players are ready to claim regular playing time, they give the Braves more options in case of injuries. Given last season’s unpredictable nature, having reliable backups in place is a smart strategy.
