Atlanta Braves Sign Former All-Star Infielder

After a number of productive seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, including an All-Star campaign in 2021, it's been quite the struggle for third baseman/shortstop/second baseman Joey Wendle ever since. Released by the New York Mets earlier this month, he'll now join the Atlanta Braves for another shot at returning to form.

The Braves add Joey Wendle pic.twitter.com/GTgmIrlhP9
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 24, 2024

"It's exciting," said Wendle, upon arriving at the Braves clubhouse. "I know a handful of guys... great organization."

Welcome to the squad, Joey Wendle. pic.twitter.com/aDpU17MHuj
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 24, 2024

"The team is a perennial winner, so the organization is doing something right... I'm real excited for this opportunity."

After signing a one-year, $2 million deal, Wendle never got any regular at-bats with the Mets this season, getting into only 18 games, with 37 plate appearances, and he batted just .222 with one RBI.

Last season with the Miami Marlins, the 34-year-old didn't fare much better, hitting .212 with two homers and a 49 OPS+ in 112 games and 318 plate appearances.

He was a regular with the Rays for four seasons from 2018 to 2021, compiling a .274 average over that time, with a .330 on-base and a 106 OPS+.

He'll now join his former Mets teammate from earlier this season, Zack Short, as backup infielders with the Braves. Short, in fact, has been playing third base on a regular basis of late, replacing the injured Austin Riley.