Braves rumors: Atlanta adds Chad Pinder to infield mix
Alex Anthopoulos values versatility, and that's exactly what Chad Pinder can bring to this Atlanta ballclub if called upon. Pinder has plenty of experience playing shortstop, second base, third base and both corner outfield spots. He can play pretty much anywhere on the diamond, minus pitcher and catcher, and succeed defensively.
The deal was initially reported by FanSided MLB Insider Robert Murray on Tuesday night.
The issue with Pinder lately has been his offense. The veteran signed a minor-league deal with the Braves and will most likely report to Gwinnett. It'll be his second minor-league stint of the season, none of which have worked out so far. Whether it's his mentality or approach, something has gone wrong with Pinder at the plate. Pinder slashed just .103/.167/.154 with the Reds in spring training, and followed that up with a .218/.308/.309 slash line in Triple-A Rochester.
In Oakland from 2016-22, Pinder had a far more respectable .242/.294/.417 line, which could play in Atlanta, especially as a bench bat. The Braves don't have a ton of reliable middle infield depth, especially not players who can succeed at multiple positions defensively like Pinder can. He's an ideal platoon candidate, as MLB Trade Rumors points out, due to his success against left-handed pitching.
Braves rumors: What's the latest at shortstop?
With Vaughn Grissom being sent down to the minor leagues for another stint in Gwinnett to refine his defensive skillset, shortstop in Atlanta is set for now with Orlando Arcia (who just came off the injured list) and Braden Shewmake. Shewmake, who was called up from Triple-A as part of the roster move which sent Grissom down, is far more refined defensively. Neither Arcia nor Shewmake have the bat Grissom does, but his defensive blunders were starting to have an impact on his ability at the dish, too.
Grissom needs a fresh start, and had Arcia never been placed on the IL in the first place, there's a chance he never would've been called up. Arcia is a reliable veteran who the Braves recently signed to a contract extension. He's no Dansby Swanson, but he doesn't have to be, which is was Alex Anthopoulos knew all along.
The addition of a player like Chad Pinder, who will start in the minor leagues but can play shortstop along with second base, third base and the corner outfield spots, could also find his way to the majors should he prove to be a reliable hitter at the lower levels.
Arcia owns the starting shortstop spot for now, and he could be the long-term solution as well should Grissom not get his act together. Some criticized the Braves for not signing Dansby Swanson this offseason. However, given the large contract he eventually received from the Chicago Cubs — and the corresponding moves make in Atlanta, including trading for Sean Murphy — it's tough to blame Anthopoulos.
Braves rumors: A Joc Pederson reunion?
The Atlanta Braves could be in the market for some corner outfield help at the trade deadline. Would a Joc Pederson reunion make sense?
Pederson was a vital member of the Braves 2021 World Series team. His pearls were renowned across the Peach State, and for good reason — Pederson dominated that postseason, and provided some much-needed power to the Atlanta lineup.
Now with the San Francisco Giants, Pederson could be trade bait. The SF Giants are in a crowded division with the Dodgers, Padres and even Arizona Diamondbacks playing well so far this season. A rebuild could be in order by the Bay, and the Giants would prefer to expedite that process. Pederson signed his qualifying offer last offseason which pays him nearly $20 million this season. He will be a free agent after the year is done.
Pederson was an NL All-Star last season, slashing .274/.353/.521 with 23 home runs. This year, he hasn't been the same, as his batting average has dropped about fifty points thus far. That could all turn around by the trade deadline, but should his numbers continue to flop, Pederson would be an easy add for Anthopoulos. Assuming Marcell Ozuna doesn't suddenly turn things around for good, the Braves will need that corner outfield upgrade.
Pederson is as good as any rentals who may be available for a discount.
