The Braves have signed a local product to a one-year deal, agreeing to terms with third baseman Gordon Beckham.
Sources: #Braves have signed free-agent infielder Gordon Beckham to a one-year, $1.25M contract.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 2, 2015
The Westminster School and University of Georgia alumni has spent the majority of his seven year career with the Chicago White Sox. The former top prospect’s career has not gone as planned. A former hyped up first round pick, Beckham has hit just .242 in his career, and his numbers have substantially tapered off in the past few seasons after receiving Rookie of the Year consideration just a year after being drafted.
While this signing is far from exciting, the team only invested $1.25 million and only have Adonis Garcia as of now to man third base. Jace Peterson has also been underwhelming at second. Beckham offers versatility, as he has spent full seasons manning both positions. None of these options are particularly exciting, but it’s a long offseason and perhaps more moves are to be made. If Beckham plays well, he has incentives built into his contract as well:
Beckham's deal is worth $1.25M and includes $500,000 in incentives. #Braves
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 2, 2015
This move reminds me a lot of the Kelly Johnson signing last season, a guy who is coming off a rough season who may turn things around in a homecoming of sorts. According to Bowman, a Johnson reunion is not out of the question:
Even with the Beckham signing, Kelly Johnson remains an option. But it now looks like Ciriaco will be non-tendered. #Braves
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 2, 2015
As for Ciriaco, the emergence of Daniel Castro made him expendable. Bowman is right, the team will likely non-tender him.