Atlanta Braves Strengthen Depth with Key Minor League Signings

In an effort to bolster their roster, the Atlanta Braves have made several key signings to their minor league system. According to their transaction logs on MLB.com, the Braves have signed infielder Charles Leblanc and catcher Yohel Pozo to minor league contracts. Both players had opted for free agency earlier this offseason. Additionally, MLB Trade Rumors has reported that the Braves have also brought on infielder Kobe Kato on a minor league deal.

Charles Leblanc: A Versatile InfielderCharles Leblanc, who spent his age-28 season with the Los Angeles Angels organization, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Braves. In 98 Triple-A games, Leblanc hit .254/.379/.437, with 12 home runs and an impressive 16.4% walk rate. He also made a brief appearance in the big leagues, hitting two home runs in 28 plate appearances.

Leblanc was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He has a career batting line of .259/.364/.454 across four Triple-A seasons and has played 197 games in the majors with a .254/.330/.412 line. Primarily a third baseman, Leblanc has also logged over 1,000 innings at both second and first base, 473 innings at shortstop, and 376 innings in left field.

Yohel Pozo: Adding Depth Behind the PlateCatcher Yohel Pozo, who signed with the Rangers as an international free agent in 2013, brings additional depth to the Braves' catching corps. Pozo made his MLB debut with the Rangers in 2021, appearing in 21 games, mostly as a designated hitter. During his stint with Texas, he slashed .284/.312/.378 with one home run and nine RBIs. Although Pozo has not appeared in the majors since 2021, he has performed well in Triple-A over the past three seasons with the Rangers and Athletics organizations.

Pozo's signing comes as the Braves look to strengthen their catching options following the departure of Travis d'Arnaud this offseason.

Kobe Kato: A Rising InfielderThe Braves have also added infielder Kobe Kato, a 25-year-old who was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 13th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. After being released by the Astros early in 2024, Kato found success with the independent York Revolution and earned a new opportunity with the Seattle Mariners. He climbed three minor league levels, reaching Triple-A, and hit .283/.393/.389 with one home run and eight steals in 135 plate appearances.

Primarily a second baseman, Kato has also gained experience at shortstop, third base, and all three outfield positions, making him a valuable asset for the Braves' minor league system.

Conclusion
​These signings reflect the Braves' commitment to building a strong and versatile roster. By adding players like Charles Leblanc, Yohel Pozo, and Kobe Kato, the Braves are ensuring they have the depth and talent needed to compete at the highest level. As the 2024 season approaches, these new additions will be closely watched to see how they contribute to the team's success.