Braves sign power bat after Yasiel Puig deal falls through

The Atlanta Braves brought in some reinforcements for a lineup that desperately needs it

Just days after he was released by the rival New York Mets, first baseman and designated hitter option Matt Adams has been picked up by the Atlanta Braves.

Adams was a World Series champion with the Washington Nationals in 2019, where he hit 20 home runs in 111 games. While he doesn’t bring much in terms of stable defensive play, Adams’ bat is too good to keep out of the lineup consistently, so expect Brian Snitker to get the most out of him while he’s on the roster.

The Braves signed Matt Adams, adding a significant power threat to the lineup

The Braves lineup is lacking the likes of Nick Markakis, and there’s no telling how long it’ll take Freddie Freeman to get right after his bout with COVID-19. Considering the pitching staff is already light, the Braves are left scrambling trying to keep up with rival Nationals in what’s suddenly become a crowded division. The Mets and Phillies closed the gap this offseason, as well.

Adams’ previous stint with the Atlanta Braves in 2017 netted some impressive numbers, as he hit .271 with 19 home runs in just 100 games. The 31-year-old from Slippery Rock can break a game open with one swing of the bat, and that’s exactly what the Braves acquired him for. Atlanta has plenty of reliable bats to provide the base-runners, but they’re lacking a real power bat behind the likes of Freeman, Ronald Acuña and Marcell Ozuna.

With the Yasiel Puig deal falling through just last week, the Braves had to act quickly. By adding Adams, they’ve done just that.