In 2017, the Atlanta Braves took a flier on former Phillies slugger Ryan Howard with the thought that perhaps he could provide some support off the bench. In 42 plate appearances at Gwinnett, he hit .184 with a 26% strikeout rate. The Braves released him.
Later last year, the Rockies tried the same thing: while with their Albuquerque AAA club, he hit .192 with 3 homers… and a 31.5% K-rate. He was 37½ years old at the time.
Now the Braves are bringing in another 37½ year old player.
The Atlanta #Braves today agreed to terms with free agent infielder José Bautista on a one-year minor-league contract for the 2018 season, and he has reported to Atlanta’s extended spring training complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.