GOOD NEWS: Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos confirm the signing of blockbuster Minor League deal

The transactions tracker on Phillip Evans’ MLB.com player profile indicates that the Braves and the third baseman are in agreement on a minor league deal. Although the specifics of the agreement are unknown, it is most likely contingent on an invitation to major league Spring Training.

After making his MLB debut in 2017, Evans—a former Mets 15th-round selection—hit pretty effectively in three brief major league stints (with Queens and Pittsburgh in 2017, 2018, and 20) with a slash line of.290/.377/.366 in 106 total at-bats. Because of this, Evans was given his first permanent position in the major leagues for the 2021 campaign. However, in 247 plate appearances across 76 games, the utilityman could only muster a slash line of.206/.312/.299 in his career. Evans was let go by the Pirates at the end of the season as a result of those difficulties.

The utility player went on to negotiate a minor league contract with the Yankees, but he struggled in 400 at-bats for the team in Triple-A, and he missed all of the 2022 season in the majors. Evans signed a minor league contract with the Diamondbacks last offseason, but he also didn’t play in the major leagues. While he appeared to hit a powerful.The exaggerated offensive environment of the Pacific Coast League, in which Arizona’s Triple-A club plays, means that performance was good for a wRC+ of just 117 in 590 Triple-A trips to the bat last season (312/.424/.439).

 

Nevertheless, Evans is one of the more intriguing depth players available on a minor league contract due to his solid offensive output and remarkable versatility, which have allowed him to play at least one professional position on the diamond throughout his career—all save center field. The Braves have one of the deepest positional groups in the major leagues, so unless a starting lineup player sustains a serious injury, Evans is unlikely to see regular playing time, even if he were to edge out players like David Fletcher or Forrest Wall for a spot on the team’s Opening Day roster. However, the 31-year-old will probably have the chance to do so this spring, along with other depth possibilities like Andrew Velazaquez and Leury Garcia who are not on the roster.