The Atlanta Braves have bolstered their outfield depth by signing Bryan De La Cruz to a one-year nonguaranteed contract for the 2025 MLB season. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed by the team.
A Fresh Start After a Difficult 2024 Season
De La Cruz, who turns 28 this week, will look to bounce back after a challenging stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024. Acquired by Pittsburgh from the Miami Marlins on July 30, he struggled to find his form, batting just .200 with three home runs and 17 RBIs in 44 games.
Despite his struggles with the Pirates, De La Cruz showed promise earlier in the season with the Marlins. In 105 games before the trade, he batted .245 with 18 home runs and 51 RBIs, showcasing his potential as a productive hitter.
Career Overview
Over the course of his MLB career, De La Cruz has been a consistent contributor, posting a .253 batting average with 58 home runs and 208 RBIs in 475 games. Known for his power and versatility, he has accumulated 427 hits since making his major league debut with Miami.
What This Means for the Braves
Adding De La Cruz gives the Braves another versatile option in their outfield as they aim to remain competitive in the National League. If he can rediscover the form he displayed earlier in his career, De La Cruz could become a valuable asset in Atlanta’s 2025 campaign.
The Braves are no strangers to taking chances on talented players in need of a fresh start, and De La Cruz could be another success story if he capitalizes on this opportunity.
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