The Atlanta Braves have recently acquired infielder Cavan Biggio from the San Francisco Giants, as reported by Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In exchange for Biggio, the Giants will receive cash considerations. Since Biggio is on a minor league deal, he is eligible to be traded despite the passing of the trade deadline. However, because he joined the Braves after September began, he won’t be able to participate in the postseason.
Biggio, 29, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB Draft and made his major league debut in 2019. Initially viewed as a promising part of the Blue Jays’ young core, he had a strong rookie season, posting a .234/.364/.429 batting line over 100 games and finishing fifth in the Rookie of the Year voting, outpacing teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He continued to perform well in the shortened 2020 season, achieving a career-best 122 wRC+.
However, Biggio’s performance declined in the following years, with his offensive numbers dropping to .213/.320/.353 over 597 plate appearances. While he maintained a respectable walk rate of 12.6%, his strikeout rate surged to 27.3%, and his power diminished significantly. By late 2022, he was sent down to the minors as Santiago Espinal took over the regular second base role.
Last season offered a brief resurgence for Biggio, as he posted an above-average offensive season for the first time since his rookie year. Despite limited at-bats as a part-time player, he managed a .235/.340/.370 line while playing multiple positions. However, this success didn’t carry into the current season, where he struggled, hitting just .200/.323/.291 with a career-high strikeout rate of 32.1%.
After being designated for assignment by the Blue Jays, Biggio was briefly traded to the Dodgers but struggled there as well before being released. He then signed a minor league deal with the Giants but did not make a major league appearance before the trade to the Braves.
With injuries plaguing their roster, the Braves have sought creative solutions, bringing in players like Biggio as injury replacements. He seems to be filling in for Whit Merrifield, who sustained a foot fracture. While Biggio’s recent performance has been underwhelming, his ability to draw walks could provide a valuable offensive option compared to current fill-ins like Luke Williams and Eli White, who have low career wRC+ figures.
Though Biggio won’t be eligible for the postseason, this acquisition allows the Braves to give him an opportunity to contribute while their regular players recover. If they choose to add him to their active roster, they will need to make a corresponding move since their 40-man roster is currently full.
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