MLB Insider: What signing Chad Pinder means for the Braves at shortstop

On Tuesday night, the Atlanta Braves brought in Chad Pinder. Considering their success with former A’s, the signing could pay off in a big way.

After the Washington Nationals released Chad Pinder, the utilityman fielded significant interest from the Atlanta Braves and a team in the American League East. Ultimately, with Pinder choosing between minor-league offers, he elected to sign with the Braves, whose Triple-A affiliate is closer to his family.

Pinder, 31, becomes the latest former Oakland A’s player to join the Braves, with Atlanta trading for stars Matt Olson and Sean Murphy within the past 18 months. While Pinder won’t contribute at the major-league level immediately, his signing is one worth paying attention to.

MLB Rumors: What signing Chad Pinder means for the Braves at shortstop

Atlanta have struggled at shortstop throughout the regular season, with Orlando Arcia missing time on the Injured List and top infield prospect Vaughn Grissom now demoted back to Triple-A. In Oakland, Pinder established himself as one of baseball’s most versatile players, and he took extra reps at shortstop and center field in the offseason to increase his versatility.

To make it back to the majors, Pinder must improve offensively. In seven seasons in Oakland, he hit .242/.294/.417 with a .711 OPS and in 16 minor-league games with the Nationals, he hit a mere .218/.307/.309 with a .616 OPS.

If Pinder can improve offensively, he has the ability to impact the club in a number of ways. It’s a low-risk move and considering their success with former A’s in the past, it’s a worthwhile gamble to make.