In Atlanta, the Braves have formally announced a one-year contract with outfielder Bryan De La Cruz. The agreement includes a salary of $860,000 for time spent in the majors and $180,000 for time spent in the minors, which presents the Braves with an additional outfield option as Ronald Acuña Jr. continues to recover from knee surgery.

De La Cruz became available as a free agent on November 22 when the Pittsburgh Pirates opted not to extend a contract for the upcoming season. The Braves confirmed the deal on Sunday, marking a significant addition to their roster.

Recently celebrating his 28th birthday, De La Cruz made his Major League Baseball debut with the Miami Marlins on July 31, 2021. He was subsequently traded to the Pirates on July 30 of the previous year. During the past season, De La Cruz played 149 games, posting a batting average of .233 with 21 home runs and 68 runs batted in. His performance with the Pirates included a .200 batting average, three home runs, and 17 RBIs across 44 games.

Over the course of four seasons in the major leagues, De La Cruz has compiled a batting average of .253 along with 58 home runs and 208 RBIs. Meanwhile, Acuña, who earned the title of 2023 NL MVP, sustained a left ACL tear on May 26, which is likely to keep him sidelined through the opening of the upcoming season.