The Atlanta Braves continued their shopping late Friday night as general manager Alex Anthopoulos swung another deal for a veteran player to help solidify the roster after the Ronald Acuna Jr. injury before the All-Star break by acquiring catcher Stephen Vogt from the Arizona Diamondbacks. In turn, the Braves parted ways with another minor league first baseman named Mason Berne.
Here’s the press release from the Braves regarding the move.
#Braves Acquire C Stephen Vogt: pic.twitter.com/IUNe2m6GD0
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 17, 2021
The 36-year-old is a two-time all-star, he began his career with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012, had his most success with the Oakland A’s, and then spent time with the Milwaukee Brewers and San Fransisco Giants before landing in Arizona the last two years. This season Vogt is hitting .212 with a .307 on-base percentage, he’s collected 17 RBI’s, scored 17 runs, clubbed five home runs, and hit six doubles in 52 games.
Career-wise, he’s a .247 hitter over his nine years as a professional.
This is another mediocre move for Atlanta who still hasn’t added an impact bat before the trade deadline, if they’re serious about contending they still need to add that type of bat. This move coupled with Joc Pederson are good depth acquisitions but if they’re serious about trying to contend this season without Ronald Acuna Jr. they need to add a serious bat along with a reliever or two. We’ll have to see if this is it or if Alex Anthopoulos has something bigger up his sleeve.
As for Mason Berne, he’s a 25-year-old still playing rookie ball and has only played five games this season. In his short professional career, the UNC Willimington product has hit .231 with an OBP of .351, he’s driven in 27 runs, scored 23, hit 10 doubles, and just five home runs over his three years in the minors.
The Braves clearly aren’t giving up much for Vogt so this is a good move for what they gave up but again Anthopoulos needs to continue to add if Atlanta is serious about trying to contend this season.
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