WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 24: The Atlanta Braves logo on a hat in the dugout in the first inning during game one of a doubleheader against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 24, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)
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The Atlanta Braves have spent much of the season at the top of the National League East division while still searching for answers around middle infield depth, particularly as injuries and inconsistent production have forced the club to shuffle its lineup.
While those issues have primarily affected the major league roster, the organization is evidently looking to introduce some longer-term options in the farm system. That process led the Braves to make an under-the-radar move shortly after an American League team moved on from a young infielder.
Atlanta Braves Snap Up Young Shortstop Just Days After Detroit Tigers Release
The Braves have signed 23-year-old infielder Junior Tilien, according to his official transaction log.
Tilien isn’t expected to impact the major league roster immediately, but his arrival adds another key infielder to an organization that has been searching for some depth at his position throughout the season.
Atlanta’s current big-league situation might have something to do with its interest in the Tigers’ castoff, with Ha-Seong Kim proving to be a massive disappointment so far.
“Kim had started in Atlanta’s last four games, but he went 0-for-11 over that stretch to bring his average down to a lowly .068 for the season,” CBS Sports reported. “Atlanta has an opening in the everyday lineup for Kim while Mauricio Dubon is needed in the outfield to help cover for the absence of Ronald Acuna (hamstring), but Kim’s inability to get going at the plate has made it increasingly difficult for manager Walt Weiss to justify keeping him in the starting nine.”
Kim signed a one-year, $20 million deal to join the Braves this season but has been injured and ineffective at the plate.
“He’s basically getting paid $4 million a hit,” The Athletic’s Jesus Cano noted recently.
Atlanta Braves Continue To Shuffle Shortstop Mix After Adding Detroit Tigers Castoff
Although Tilien remains well behind the big-league conversation, the Braves have consistently looked to bolster organizational depth whenever opportunities arise.
Adding players with minor league experience gives the club additional flexibility should injuries or performance issues continue to affect the upper levels of the system.
For Tilien, the move also represents a fresh opportunity after his time with Detroit came to an end.
The 23-year-old infielder started his affiliated baseball journey with the New York Mets in 2021 before joining the Tigers last year. Across three seasons of High-A in his career, he has slashed .222/.294/.323.
The Braves have developed a reputation for identifying overlooked talent and providing players with another chance to work their way back into contention for a larger role. While there’s no guarantee Tilien reaches the major leagues, joining an organization with a strong developmental track record gives him an opportunity to continue his professional career.
And for a franchise that has lacked a true long-term shortstop since the departure of Dansby Swanson, some additional depth at the position won’t be a bad thing.