BOSTON — As Brian Anderson sat at his locker and began settling in on Tuesday afternoon at Fenway Park, multiple guys introduced themselves and said hello to the new man in the clubhouse.
The Braves – well, at least those who have been in Atlanta for a few years – are familiar with Anderson, who played for the Marlins for years. And Anderson knows the Braves well: The year after he debuted, the Braves began their run of six consecutive National League East titles.
“Man, there’s been a lot (that has stood out about the Braves),” Anderson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday. “The starting pitching has always been good since I’ve (played them). The lineup, when you’re playing defense, there’s never a break. It seems like every time we go to Atlanta, with whatever team we’re on, (it’s), ‘Oh man, we gotta face that offense.’ It’s kind of a top to bottom (attack) – they just keep coming at you and keep coming at you. That’s probably the No. 1 thing I think of is, man, it’s hard to outscore this offense here.”
The Braves on Tuesday signed Anderson, an infielder who hits from the right side, to a major-league deal. He’ll make the big-league minimum, which is $740,000 – or more accurately, a prorated portion of that minimum for the days he spends on the major-league roster.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Braves transferred Tyler Matzek to the 60-day injured list. Matzek has been out since early May because of left elbow inflammation. After Sunday’s game, the Braves optioned catcher Chadwick Tromp, which vacated a spot on the active roster for Anderson.
Anderson had been in Triple-A in the Mariners’ organization. He recently opted out of his minor-league deal and became a free agent.
He said he drew interest from multiple teams, including the Braves. The suitors offered him various degrees of playing time and opportunities, he said.
Asked what the Braves told him about his role, he said: “They said pretty much first base, third base, maybe a little corner outfielder. Obviously, I haven’t played a lot of outfield this year, so that’ll be something I gotta get back into. But more of just like the depth role of trying to help out whenever I can, play against lefties – just to stay ready, and that’s what I’m gonna do.”
Anderson primarily has played third base and right field during his career. He’s appeared at first base only once in the majors, but made 10 starts there for Tacoma before opting out.
“Just depth,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said of what Anderson brings. “Experience at third and at first. And I think you’re always looking for ways to deepen your organization. We’d seen him from across the way there a long time, and he’s a really good player. And I think just the opportunity to add somebody like that is good.”
The Braves have J.P Martinez, who likely would start in the outfield if Adam Duvall or Jarred Kelenic weren’t in the lineup on a certain day. But if Martinez were to pinch-run, for example, and then the Braves needed an outfielder later, Anderson could play one of the corners.
Anderson, like other Braves bench players, probably won’t play much. But the Braves are taking a no-risk chance on him. They can easily move on if it doesn’t work out.
From his debut in 2017 through 2021, Anderson hit .263 with a .770 OPS for the Marlins. His past two seasons – one with Miami, the other with the Brewers – haven’t gone as well. He hasn’t posted an OPS above .700 since 2021, and he hasn’t yet appeared in the majors in 2024.
In Tacoma, Anderson batted .270 with a .797 OPS, six home runs and 28 RBIs over 148 at-bats.
Could he have more in his bat? Could he return to the player he was a few seasons ago?
“Yeah, absolutely,” Anderson said. “That’s why we keep playing, right? We definitely think there’s more in the tank here. They’ve obviously seen something with me and the way that I’ve played against them or the way I played in the past, so all I can do is look forward to this opportunity and try to make the most of it.”
Throughout his career, Anderson actually has had reverse splits. He bats .258 versus righties, as opposed to .231 against lefties. In 2020 and 2022, though, Anderson fared better when facing left-handed pitching.
The past couple of days have moved fast for Anderson.
“Obviously, I’m extremely excited to be here, I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be here,” Anderson said. “I’m just looking forward to meeting everybody and getting in a rhythm, and getting to know these guys and this team and this organization.”
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