Braves, S. Rodriguez complete 2-year deal

November 24th, 2016

The Braves continued their busy offseason this week by completing a two-year contract with utility player . The sides agreed to the deal last week and it was announced on Wednesday, following the completion of a physical.
The contract is worth a total of $11.5 million ($5 million per year, plus a 1.5 million signing bonus), according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.
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Rodriguez batted .270 with a career-high 18 home runs and an .859 OPS while compiling 342 plate appearances for the Pirates this past season. The 31-year-old right-handed hitter also enhanced his value by playing seven defensive positions. He tallied at least 100 innings at four positions -- first base, second base, shortstop and right field.
With the addition of Rodriguez, the Braves have a right-handed batter who could occasionally spell first baseman or right fielder , both left-handed hitters. At the same time, Rodriguez could spend some time platooning at second base with , who will man the position until highly regarded prospect Ozzie Albies proves he is capable of making a full recovery from the elbow fracture he sustained in September.

Rodriguez's addition seemingly erases the possibility of the Braves bringing back free agent to serve as a backup outfielder and right-handed option off the bench.
Rodriguez is the third veteran free agent to sign with Atlanta this offseason, which inked starters and to contracts earlier this month.