With Vaughn Grissom Gone, Top Internal Utility Candidates
Vaughn Grissom was in line to possibly fill several roles for the Atlanta Braves in 2024. But after the trade for Chris Sale, who fills that depth utility role going forward?
One of the main arguments for keeping Vaughn Grissom is that he provides valuable depth at a number of positions -- assuming he adds left field to his résumé.
The defense prevented him from finding a starting spot in Atlanta, but that depth in case of an injury was very valuable.
With Grissom gone, there is a big hole to be filled in the system.
There are still five open spots on the active roster, so the Braves still have room to make another addition; although it remains to be seen just how much they can afford to spend on those additions.
Brian Snitker generally runs out the same guys every day, so the bench isn't as important in Atlanta as it might be in other places. Still, Alex Anthopoulos is likely to at least grab a right-handed bench bat who can play in the outfield.
But what about the infield depth?
Ozzie Albies has missed significant time in recent years, and we could certainly see some regression for Orlando Arcia in 2024.
Infield Depth Options in the Braves System
David Fletcher -- Unless AA can find someone willing to take David Fletcher and the $13.5 million he's owed, he's the most obvious candidate to fill the utility role on Atlanta's bench.
He's a really good defender on the dirt and can stand in a corner outfield spot if you need him to. Fletcher is a good contact guy at the plate, but he has 71 wRC+ over the last three seasons.
Leury Garcia -- A veteran who has played everywhere except first base and catcher, but he has just a 73 wRC+ over the last three years.
Luke Williams -- The Brave were able to get Williams back on a minor league deal. He's played everywhere except catcher in his career, but has a wRC+ of just 60 in 148 big league games.
Andrew Velazquez -- Similar to the others already list, he can play everywhere, including the outfield, but doesn't provide much at the plate.
Phillip Evans -- Recently signed to a minor league deal, Evans also has a ton of versatility, including an inning on the mound, but doesn't provide much at the plate.
Keshawn Ogans -- Unlikely, having not played above High-A yet, but Ogans can play all over and is coming off a good 2023 -- including a good showing in the Arizona Fall League.
Luke Waddell -- This is my dark horse to find his way onto the Braves bench in 2024. He's essentially a clone of Fletcher in that he plays solid defense all over the dirt and is more of a contact hitter -- but he'll cost the Braves a lot less.
Cal Conley -- Was the Keshawn Ogans of 2022, but really fell off the map with a tough 2023. (Conley batted .219 in AA Mississippi last season.)
That's a list of eight players who can provide some form of depth on the infield right now.
Fletcher is the one most likely to get a shot if someone gets hurt. But if that happens, you don't feel great about any of these guys getting every day at-bats for an extended period.
The Braves don't have a prospect that is close to pushing for time at the big league level like Grissom was. Ignacio Alvarez would be the only one with the potential, but it still feels like he's at least another year away.
We'll see if the Braves decide to stick with this group or try to add some quality depth on the infield over the rest of the offseason.
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