Atlanta Braves & Texas Rangers Swing Trade

The Atlanta Braves have jumped in to acquire a solid role player the Texas Rangers had DFA'd a few days back, working out a trade for pinch-runner & supreme defender Eli White.

The #Braves aren’t done making trades tonight! They’ve acquired outfielder Eli White from the #Rangers.

White, 28, produced a 1.0 WAR through 47 games with the Texas Rangers in 2022. pic.twitter.com/GzbIAx1YkB

— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) December 29, 2022

The 28-year-old got into just 47 games this past season, mainly as a pinch runner and defensive replacement in the outfield, and he still managed to produce a WAR of 1.0. He also stole 12 bases and was caught just once. 

The Braves have an ELITE pinch-runner and defender. Eli White only played 47 games last season and finished with a 0.9 WAR and 12 stolen bases.

White’s 2022 defensive stats in only 291.0 innings are insanely ridiculous:

5 OAA
7 DRS
20.5 URZ/150 https://t.co/ikr73x5MUy pic.twitter.com/DOdrOcxXzx

— Kevin Keneely (@KevinKeneely1) December 29, 2022

He's produced incredible defensive numbers in his short time in the majors over three seasons, with 5 Outs Above Average and 7 Defensive Runs Saved in only 130 appearances. 

Given his talents on the basepaths and in the outfield, his offensive numbers aren't really that important (.200 average, .578 OPS in 2022). 

Nice pickup for the Braves for the end of their bench.

Photo: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports