Braves sign former All-Star to minor-league deal

The Braves made yet another depth addition over the weekend, signing first baseman Garrett Cooper to a minor-league contract, according to MLB insider Robert Murray. 

Cooper was an All-Star as recently as 2022 and actually has some decent numbers over his eight-year career, which he primarily spent in Miami, a very pitcher-friendly ballpark. From 2017-2023, he hit a more than respectable .268 with a .772 OPS over 481 games.

However, 2024 was a year to forget for the 34-year-old. He appeared in just 36 games between the Cubs and Red Sox, hitting .206 with a .566 OPS.

Cooper also has some experience playing in the outfield, which is notable, given the Braves current situation. Outside of Michael Harris, Atlanta doesn’t have any proven options to play in left or right field. If the season were to start today, it would be an open competition. The assumption is still that they’ll bring in some more bodies before Spring Training begins in a little over a month, but Garrett Cooper could conceivably win a spot on the Opening Day roster with a solid showing this spring.

—

Photo: Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire