The Braves signed free agent Sean Rodriguez to a two-year, $11.5 million contract, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported on Thursday afternoon. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported the specific figures: Rodriguez will receive a $1.5 million signing bonus and $5 million in each of the next two seasons.
Rodriguez, 31, can play all over the diamond. Last season, he played seven of nine positions on the diamond, excluding pitcher and catcher, logging 100-plus defensive innings at first base, second base, shortstop, and right field. He hit .270/.349/.510 with 18 home runs and 56 RBI in 342 plate appearances.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, Rodriguez figures to spell Freddie Freeman at first base and Nick Markakis in right field. Rodriguez could also play some second base along with Jace Peterson until prospect Ozzie Albies is deemed ready.
Rodriguez is the Braves’ third free agent signing of the offseason, as the club also inked R.A. Dickey and Bartolo Colon to contracts.
