Braves nearing deal with power-hitting corner infielder

The Braves made an under the radar move, adding power-hitting infielder Jake Lamb.

Lamb made the All-Star team in 2017 on his way to a 30 home run season. If he can provide anything close to that production in Atlanta this season, this will have been a home run signing (excuse the pun). What’s more likely, of course, is that Lamb merely adds depth at a corner infield position, especially with the unproven Austin Riley seeming more likely by the day to man third base over Johan Camargo.

Lamb’s bat hasn’t been the same since 2017 due to injury, but his defensive ability has rebounded since then, causing the Diamondbacks to let him walk after 2019, and the Athletics to come to the same conclusion in 2020.

What do the Braves gain in the Jake Lamb signing?

As mentioned, he’s Riley insurance. If Riley goes south quickly, the Braves have a proven veteran to try out behind him. Lamb is also a left-handed bat off the bench for pinch hit opportunities.

Lamb will not light up Braves message boards, and that’s for good reason. But adding him to the mix could be further proof that the Braves don’t intend on trading for Kris Bryant, and that perhaps Bryant isn’t available at all at this point in the offseason for the Cubs.

The Braves value their top prospects, as do most teams, and they haven’t been willing to part with them for trade targets such as Nolan Arenado and Bryant in the past. Should Lamb succeed, or even Riley for that matter, it’s further proof to trust in Alex Anthopoulos.