A.J. Pierzynski’s first season with the Atlanta Braves was a resurgent one, so it’s no surprise the team acted swiftly to bring the veteran catcher back on a short-term pact.
According to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, Pierzynski and the Braves have agreed to terms on a one-year deal to keep the backstop in Atlanta. The New York Post‘s Joel Sherman confirmed the report.
Pierzynski’s in the twilight of his career, but if last season was any indication, he’s got some gas left in the tank for a rebuilding Braves team. During the 2015 campaign, the 38-year-old catcher batted .300 with a .339 on-base percentage and .769 OPS in 113 appearances.
“It’s fun to play,” Pierzynski said before the All-Star break, per MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. “I still like playing. It’s still enjoyable to compete and see what you can do. All of these guys now are young and so full energy, so when you get a little older you have to figure out when to conserve it and when to use it.”
More than anything, Pierzynski’s ability to provide a strong presence in the clubhouse could be of value to the Braves as they get set to develop young talents throughout the 2016 season.
As Comcast SportsNet Chicago’s Chuck Garfien explained, Pierzynski’s one of the most seasoned players to ever suit up behind the plate:
It would be unfair to expect Pierzynski to produce at the plate like he did a season ago, but those statistical gains should be secondary at this point.
The catcher will be a tremendous resource for Atlanta’s stable of young pitchers as the Braves get primed to make a leap in 2017, and the wisdom he imparts should help accelerate the rebuild just a bit.
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