The Braves' Strategic Move: Keeping Brewer Hicklen in the Minors
The Atlanta Braves have made a curious decision by adding outfielder Brewer Hicklen to their 40-man roster while keeping him in the minors. This move raises questions about the team's strategy and the player's potential role in the organization.
Hicklen, a 30-year-old outfielder, signed a minor league deal with the Braves in the offseason and has been performing exceptionally well in Triple-A Gwinnett. His numbers are impressive, with a .316/.381/.519 line and a 137 wRC+, indicating he's 37% better than league average. While his .367 batting average on balls in play has contributed to his success, it's his power and speed that stand out. Hicklen has already stolen 21 bases and hit 11 home runs this season.
However, Hicklen's history with the Braves is a bit peculiar. He's had fleeting big league chances, suiting up for the Royals in 2022 and the Tigers last year. In those brief appearances, he's struggled, with a combined .167/.231/.167 line in 13 plate appearances. This raises the question: why are the Braves keeping him in the minors if they don't see him as a long-term solution?
One possible explanation is that Hicklen has an opt-out clause in his contract. By adding him to the 40-man roster, the Braves prevent him from opting out and potentially signing with another team. This move also ensures that no current big league player needs to be bumped off the roster, allowing the team to maintain flexibility.
The Braves' current outfield situation is a bit dire. Ronald Acuña Jr. is on the injured list, and Jurickson Profar is serving a PED suspension. The team has Michael Harris II, Mike Yastrzemski, Mauricio Dubón, and Eli White as their current outfield alignment. With another injury or suspension, the Braves might turn to Hicklen or DaShawn Keirsey Jr., who was also recently added to the roster but kept in the minors.
Hicklen has one option remaining, and once he spends 20 days on optional assignment, 2026 will be his final option season. This means he will be out of options going forward, making him a more attractive depth piece for the Braves. While his big league success has been fleeting, his minor league performance and potential as a depth player could be valuable assets for the team.
In my opinion, the Braves' decision to keep Hicklen in the minors is a strategic move. It provides them with an insurance policy for their outfield depth and allows them to manage their roster without losing a potential player to free agency. However, it also raises questions about Hicklen's long-term role in the organization and whether he can live up to his potential in the big leagues.
