:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58079201/usa_today_10216885.0.jpg)
A month after being non-tendered, the Atlanta Braves have signed utility man Danny Santana to a minor league deal according to a report by SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo.
Braves have re-signed Danny Santana, source tells SBN. Minor-league deal. Santana was non-tendered earlier this winter.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) December 22, 2017
The Braves elected to non-tender Santana rather than allow him to go to arbitration where he was projected to make $1.1 million. Atlanta acquired Santana from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for reliever Kevin Chapman last May. He appeared in 69 games with the Braves but hit just .203/.245/.357 in 152 plate appearances.
Santana does bring some speed and some defensive versatility. No official word but we will assume that his minor league deal also includes an invite to spring training. He will have his work cut out for him but it appears he will have an opportunity to compete for a bench spot.
UPDATE
The Braves have officially announced the move and confirmed that Santana has an invite to spring training.
The #Braves have agreed to terms with INF/OF Danny Santana on a minor-league contract for 2018, with a spring training invite.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) December 23, 2017