The Braves agreed to terms on a one-year, $3 million deal with free-agent infielder Alberto Callaspo, a versatile switch-hitter who could be their primary second baseman until top prospect Jose Peraza is ready.
There is an additional $1 million in performance incentives possible in the deal, which was to be finalized once he passed a physical exam.
Callaspo, 31, spent the past seven seasons in the American League and struggled with Oakland in 2014, batting .223 with a .290 on-base percentage, four home runs and 30 RBIs in 451 plate appearances. The Venezuelan still produced one of the AL’s best line-drive rates and struck out 50 times, continuing a streak of fewer than 60 whiffs in every season.
With the Angels and Athletics in 2013, Callaspo hit .258 with a .333 OBP, 10 homers and only 47 strikeouts in 516 plate appearances.
The plan is for Callaspo to get most of the play time at second base until Peraza reaches the majors — which could be as soon as the 2014 season at some point, but might not be until September or the following season.
The Braves want to be careful not to rush Peraza, but they will invite him to spring training and give him a chance to show if he’s possibly ready or might be soon. Because of that uncertainty, and their belief that Peraza will arrive sooner than later, the Braves weren’t about to commit big dollars or a long contract for a second baseman.
In nine seasons with four teams, Callaspo has a .267 average, .330 OBP, .700 OPS and 228 extra-base hits (51 homers) in 996 games (3,695 PAs). He played in 127 games last season and made 41 starts at second base, 17 at first base and 16 at third base. He also had 34 starts as a designated hitter.
Callaspo could get starts at third base against some right-handers in place of Chris Johnson, who feasted on lefties but struggled against right-handers in 2014.
Second-year infielder Phil Gosselin is also a candidate for second-base duties until Peraza is ready, but the Braves prefer to have Gosselin in a utility role.
