The Atlanta Braves are quietly bolstering their organizational depth this offseason, adding another versatile player to the mix. On November 15, they announced the signing of infielder Kobe Kato to a minor league deal. This is reflected on their official roster transaction page on MLB.com.
Kato, 24, brings versatility with experience at second base, third base, and left field. He is known for his solid contact-hitting ability and consistent approach at the plate. Kato shined during his collegiate career at Arizona in the Pac-12. In 2021, he posted an impressive .350 batting average and a .929 OPS, driving in 34 runs and scoring 58 times in 63 games. These numbers helped solidify his status as a promising prospect heading into the 2021 MLB Amateur Draft.
Drafted by the Houston Astros in the 13th round, Kato began his professional journey in Single-A later that year. Over the past two seasons, he has spent time in the farm systems of both the Astros and Seattle Mariners, in addition to a stint in the Independent League.
Kato’s 2024 season was winding down, starting with Double-A Corpus Christi, an Astros affiliate. Released early in the year, he signed with the York Revolution of the Independent League, where he hit .255 with 23 extra-base hits over 64 games. In mid-July, he joined the Mariners’ system, finishing the season with Triple-A Tacoma. In limited Triple-A action this year, Kato impressed with a slash line of .356/.435/.492 over 69 plate appearances.
Kato’s career slugging percentage of .359 suggests he isn’t a power hitter despite these flashes of potential. Instead, his strength lies in his ability to get on base and contribute defensively in multiple roles. The Braves appear intrigued by his skill set and assigned him to Double-A Mississippi shortly after the signing.
Kato joins a growing list of minor league signings by the Braves this month, including right-hander Enoli Paredes, third baseman Charles Leblanc, and catcher Yohel Pozo. While Kato faces an uphill battle to crack the Braves’ major league roster, Spring Training will allow him to demonstrate his value as a contact hitter and defensive utility player.
Kato represents a low-risk, high-upside addition to an already deep Braves organization. It remains to be seen if he can translate his success at the collegiate and minor league levels into a more prominent role in Atlanta.
