Atlanta Braves Add Veteran Garrett Cooper to Minor League Contract for Spring Training

Atlanta Braves Add Veteran Garrett Cooper to Minor League Contract for Spring Training

Atlanta Braves Add Veteran Garrett Cooper to Minor League Contract for Spring Training

The Atlanta Braves continue to shape their roster with another strategic minor league signing, this time bringing in veteran first baseman and former All-Star, Garrett Cooper. Known for his time with the Miami Marlins, Cooper joins the Braves in hopes of rediscovering his form and contributing to the team’s depth.

Garrett Cooper, a seasoned major leaguer with eight years of experience, had a standout season in 2022, earning an All-Star nod with the Marlins. However, his career trajectory has taken a more journeyman turn over the past two seasons, as he has shuffled between various teams. After spending part of 2023 with both the Marlins and the San Diego Padres, he was involved in multiple transactions during 2024, playing for both the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox. Unfortunately, his performance last season left much to be desired, with a disappointing .206/.276/.299 slash line in just 36 games.

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Despite his struggles in 2024, Cooper still has valuable skills that the Braves could utilize, particularly as a platoon outfielder. While first base is his primary position, the Braves already have Matt Olson locked in there, with Olson having played every game since joining the team. The real opportunity for Cooper comes in the outfield. He has experience in right field, a position he played in 77 career games, and could provide some depth in the Braves’ outfield, especially if Ronald Acuña Jr. needs some time to recover. Cooper's right-handed bat would also provide a needed complement in a platoon situation, particularly against left-handed pitchers, where he has historically been strong.

Cooper has demonstrated his ability to hit left-handed pitching over his career, with a solid .281/.333/.486 slash line and 19 home runs in 514 plate appearances against southpaws. Additionally, he has a knack for coming through in clutch situations, boasting a .291/.371/.510 line with 19 home runs and 177 RBIs with runners in scoring position. These strengths could make him a valuable addition to the Braves’ roster, should he make the team after Spring Training.

The Braves have been active this offseason, signing several players to minor league deals to provide depth to their system. While Cooper's signing may not move the needle significantly in terms of immediate impact, it is a low-risk, high-reward move that bolsters the team’s depth, especially as they wait for Acuña’s return. Even though his numbers have dipped recently, the potential for a bounce-back season is there, particularly if Cooper can regain the form he showed during his All-Star year with the Marlins.

Ultimately, this move fits into the Braves' larger strategy of building a balanced roster with solid depth while avoiding high-risk, high-cost signings. If Cooper can rekindle his earlier form, he could prove to be a useful piece for the Braves in their pursuit of a championship in 2025.

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