The Atlanta Braves recently added depth to their infield by bringing in Cavan Biggio, son of Houston Astros legend Craig Biggio. This acquisition didn’t involve a flashy trade deadline move but rather a quiet deal with the San Francisco Giants, swapping cash considerations for Biggio’s services.
While not a blockbuster move, this may turn into one of those under-the-radar decisions that could pay off unexpectedly. Let me explain why the Braves made this move and what it means for the team.
As it stands, Biggio isn’t eligible for the Braves’ postseason roster since he was acquired after the Sept. 1 deadline. Atlanta could petition to get him in, however there’s no indication they’ll go down that route. Biggio’s presence isn’t about making an immediate playoff splash, it’s more about reinforcing a team hit hard by injuries.
With starters like Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies sidelined and their backup Whit Merrifield banged up, Atlanta is scrambling for reliable infield options. Here comes Biggio, a player who still brings some versatility and experience despite not entirely living up to the expectations set during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Regarding those expectations, Biggio was once seen as part of Toronto’s next great core. Alongside names like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Biggio was supposed to help lead the Jays into the future, with the added intrigue of each being the son of a former big leaguer.
While the others have found success, Biggio never quite figured out how to consistently handle major league pitching. This season, he’s posted a .197 batting average with five home runs and 19 RBIs across 74 games. While these numbers don’t exactly jump off the page, he’s been bouncing around teams. First designated for assignment by the Blue Jays, then picked up and let go by the Dodgers, followed by a stint with the Giants, and now, he’s found himself in Atlanta.
So, what does Biggio bring to the Braves? Depth, plain and simple. But with depth comes flexibility. The Braves have been mixing and matching their infield all season due to injuries, even experimenting with some outfielders in infield spots. Biggio’s addition might not seem like a game-changer, but he’s another option, and in baseball, having options is always a good thing.
If Biggio shows some life in Triple-A, the Braves might hang onto him for next season. As this season has shown us, you can never have too many infielders. Sometimes, the most unexpected players become exactly what a team needs.
While this move may fly under the radar for most fans, it’s a strategic play by the Braves. Injuries have already shown how quickly depth can disappear, and with Biggio in the system, Atlanta has one more card to play if needed down the stretch.
