The Braves have declined their $8MM club option on infielder David Fletcher, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The team also announced today that they have outrighted LHP Austin Cox, RHP Joel Payamps, catcher Chuckie Robinson, and outfielder Carlos Rodriguez to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Fletcher, 31, was acquired from the Angels in December 2023 alongside catcher Max Stassi in exchange for minor-league first baseman Evan White and reliever Tyler Thomas. He had appeared in 534 games for the Angels from 2018-23 and was generally a below-average hitter but a solid fielder. Fletcher only walked 6.2% of the time with the Angels but was a very tough out, striking out just 9.5% of the time. His 86 wRC+ left much to be desired, but he compensated by being a solid defender. His work at second base was rated positively by Defensive Runs Saved in every season from 2018-22, with Fletcher accumulating 24 DRS in 2,326 innings at that position from 2018-23. Those contributions were enough for the Angels to sign him to a five-year, $26MM extension beginning in 2021.
More to come.