### A New Chapter Begins for Bryan De La Cruz
In a surprising turn of events, the Braves have secured outfielder Bryan De La Cruz with a non-guaranteed contract for the 2025 season, marking a significant moment for the player as he approaches his 28th birthday. This unique agreement, a split contract, signals the team’s interest in exploring De La Cruz’s potential as he prepares for the upcoming season.
De La Cruz, who made his major league debut with the Marlins in 2021, has seen his role evolve from sporadic appearances to a more regular position by 2022. Over the course of three seasons with Miami, he amassed a total of 37 home runs, showcasing his power at the plate. However, his performance took a hit recently, with his offensive metrics declining sharply, leading to a lackluster showing in 2024.
The Pirates, after acquiring him during the previous season, chose not to retain him due to his disappointing play and projected salary, a decision that has allowed the Braves to bring him in without a financial commitment. De La Cruz carries robust power numbers but struggles with contact, having a career strikeout rate of 25%.
As the Braves look to strengthen their outfield—especially with Ronald Acuña Jr.’s injury recovery still in question—De La Cruz’s potential role could be crucial. With spring training ahead, the Braves hope to unlock the capability that might make him a valuable asset in the lineup.
Can Bryan De La Cruz Bounce Back? Braves Take a Gamble for 2025
### A New Chapter Begins for Bryan De La Cruz
The Atlanta Braves have made a strategic move by signing outfielder Bryan De La Cruz to a non-guaranteed contract for the 2025 season. As De La Cruz approaches his 28th birthday, this split contract offers both the player and the team a chance to evaluate his performance without substantial financial risk.
#### Background and Performance Overview
Bryan De La Cruz made his major league debut with the Miami Marlins in 2021. Over the years, he transitioned from a bench player to a more prominent figure in the lineup, especially during the 2022 season, where he recorded 19 home runs in just 122 games. His total of 37 home runs during three seasons with the Marlins highlighted his power-hitting capabilities. However, the 2024 season proved challenging; his offensive metrics sharply declined, leading to his lack of retention by the Pittsburgh Pirates after they acquired him during the previous season.
#### Pros and Cons of the Contract
**Pros:**
– **Low Financial Risk:** The non-guaranteed nature of the contract allows the Braves to assess De La Cruz’s value without significant financial commitment.
– **Power Potential:** De La Cruz’s power numbers indicate that he can contribute home runs if he finds consistency.
– **Opportunity for Revival:** With the Braves potentially needing to bolster their outfield—especially amid uncertainties regarding Ronald Acuña Jr.’s health—there is a clear path for De La Cruz to earn a spot.
**Cons:**
– **High Strikeout Rate:** De La Cruz has a career strikeout rate of 25%, which raises concerns about his ability to make consistent contact and contribute effectively at the plate.
– **Recent Performance Decline:** His struggles in 2024, leading to a disappointing showing, suggest that he may need significant time and adjustments to return to form.
#### Future Expectations
As spring training approaches, the Braves will focus on refining De La Cruz’s skills and potentially integrating him into their lineup. The coaching staff is expected to work closely with him to address his striking issues and enhance his contact rate. If he can harness his power while improving his bat-to-ball skills, De La Cruz may emerge as a valuable asset for the Braves as they aim for another postseason run.
### Insights and Predictions
The decision to bring De La Cruz into the fold reflects a growing trend in MLB where teams are willing to take calculated risks on players with untapped potential. If De La Cruz can turn things around and find his footing, he not only could become a prominent figure in the Braves’ lineup but also significantly contribute to the team’s overall success in the upcoming season.
The Braves’ investment in De La Cruz represents a forward-thinking approach, showcasing their commitment to nurturing talent and maximizing player potential, setting a precedent for how teams may operate in the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.
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Atlanta Braves sign Bryan De La Cruz, outfield situation, Jarred Kelenic, Ronald Acuña Jr., and more
