Former Braves utilityman Charlie Culberson signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers, the team announced Monday. It includes an invitation to spring training.

Culberson, 31, spent the last three seasons with his hometown Braves. The Rome native was acquired from the Dodgers in the Matt Kemp trade of 2017.

Culberson, who was immensely popular with fans and teammates, hit .265/.314/.454 with 17 homers and 66 RBIs over his Braves tenure. He provided several clutch moments, especially in the 2018 season, when he was an important contributor for a team that unexpectedly won 90 games and the first of three consecutive division titles.

The Braves designated Culberson for assignment during the 60-game season, but he stayed in the organization. He appeared in only nine games in 2020. He’ll compete for a bench role with the rebuilding Rangers next spring.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker, right, bench coach Walt Weiss, center, and first base coach Eric Young Sr., react as they watch after Chicago Cubs' Rafael Ortega hit a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Saturday, June 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Credit: AP

Featured

Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez