The Atlanta Braves have made some big signings with the hope of turning a talented young team into a legitimate championship threat.
Brian McCann
Brian McCann has signed with the Braves according to Mark Bowman of Braves.com. The catcher has reportedly “passed up on more lucrative offers” in order to play with the Braves. Born in Athens, Georgia, McCann made his Major League debut with his hometown Braves. The former World Champion signed a single year deal worth $2 million.
The former Yankee catcher had an odd year, where he was sidelined for most of the season with a knee injury. McCann hit for an average of .212 with seven homers and 23 RBI.
Josh Donaldson
In another flash signing, the Braves inked the former Blue Jay to a one-year contract worth $23 million. This was reported first by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Donaldson spent last season with Blue Jays and was traded to the Cleveland Indians during the season. The 32-year-old hit for a batting average of .246 with eight home runs and 32 RBI.
Can They Help The Braves?
The Braves have made some big moves early into the offseason. Their acquisitions will prove useful as they will not only be welcomed warmly by fans, but they will also help the team be much more competitive. Having the playoff experience of a player like McCann will help guide the younger Braves as their postseason experience is rather little. Add to that, the power and production of a player like Donaldson, who has proved to be vital on offense when it matter the most. Both players will help to bring success once again to the Atlanta Braves franchise.