Advertisement

A.J. Pierzynski agrees to stay with Braves

By The Sports Xchange
Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski prepares to catch the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on July 24, 2015. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski prepares to catch the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on July 24, 2015. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo

On the same day they dealt away their promising young shortstop, the Atlanta Braves brought back veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski.

The 38-year-old free agent agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract Thursday.

Advertisement

Earlier in the day, the Braves sent shortstop Andrelton Simmons to the Los Angeles Angels in a deal that brought back shortstop Erick Aybar and minor league prospects.

Pierzynski first signed with the Braves as a free agent in January, joining his fifth team in four seasons. He was an All-Star for the Minnesota Twins in 2002 and the Chicago White Sox in 2006, and he was a key member of the White Sox's World Series-winning team in 2005.

Though he was expected to be a backup this year, Pierzynski wound up playing 113 games and starting 104 for the Braves. He batted .300 with a .309 on-base percentage, a .430 slugging percentage, nine homers and 49 RBIs.

In his 18-year major-league career that includes stops with seven teams, Pierzynski has a .282/.321/.424 batting line with 186 homers and 886 RBIs.

Advertisement

Latest Headlines