Braves Add Guillorme
The Braves bench situation now with the Luis Guillorme addition has pulled a Zach Galifianakis The Hangover move: “So there…there were two of us in the wolf pack…I was alone first in the pack, and then Doug joined in later.” Forrest Wall being Galifianakis in this scenario, with Guillorme joining the pack as Doug did prior to disappearing in Vegas.
The former New York Met is playing 2024 under a one-year contract worth $1,100,000; $100,000 more than what Spencer Strider will make this season (his big pay raise doesn’t kick in until 2026 when he’ll make $20,000,000), & $500k less than what the Mets paid him last season.
Luis’ role is almost guaranteed to be the backup utility infielder. For some reason, I thought I remembered him playing outfield some for New York, but it looks as if I’m mistaken. Since his debut in 2018, he’s logged starts & games played at shortstop, second base, third base, designated hitter, and as a blowout reliever.
His most substantial time has been spent playing second base, where he’s played 147 games, starting 113 with 91 of those 113 being complete games for a grand total of 1,031 innings. His 2022 season was his steadiest share of playing time at any one position, notching 67 games at second base; the most at any single position during one campaign. The next closest being 29 games at second base in 2023.
Overall, I think of him as an infield version of last season’s Kevin Pillar. His stats aren’t going to wow anyone. He’s not going to win a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger. He’s likely the first option if any of our usual infielders miss any length of time (if that’s the case, I also wouldn’t be shocked if someone else is brought in to fill that gap). But what he brings is valuable to any organization: professional approach, service before self, good vibes, & better than an emergency call-up.
Don’t be surprised if by the end of this season, he’s a fan-favorite & a prime candidate for a 2-3 year extension at minimum cost to continue as our Swiss army knife.