The deal includes an invite to Spring Training.
The Braves have agreed to a minor-league deal with veteran first baseman Garrett Cooper. Included in the deal is an invite to Spring Training, per Robert Murray.
Free-agent first baseman Garrett Cooper in agreement with the Atlanta Braves on a minor-league contract, sources say. The deal includes an invite to spring training.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 12, 2025
Cooper is certainly a familiar name to Braves fans over the past decade, as he had some notable years with the Marlins. From 2019-2022, Cooper put together a .794 OPS over 1273 plate appearances, and a 110 wRC+ or better in each of the four seasons. He was an All-Star in 2022.
Cooper’s production has fallen off over the past few seasons, as he had a 58 wRC+ across 116 plate appearances last season. However, Cooper has a .801 OPS vs LHP in his career and has hit well vs NL East pitching throughout his career as well. Defensively, Cooper has mainly played first base since 2022.
Overall, Cooper likely will emerge as nothing more than organizational depth if he sticks with the team throughout Spring Training. However, if he rediscovers some of his past success at the plate, perhaps he can be a bench option for the Braves in time.