The Atlanta Braves added switch-hitting infielder Vidal Brujan on a minor league contract this week, according to transaction records. The 28-year-old will report to Triple-A Gwinnett as a depth option for the organization.
Brujan spent the 2026 season primarily in the New York Mets system. He appeared in nine major league games for the Mets, going 1-for-11 with a walk and one RBI for a .091 batting average. Most of his time came in the minors.
In 65 games at Triple-A Syracuse, Brujan produced a .278/.385/.421 slash line with five home runs, 34 RBI and 16 stolen bases across 258 plate appearances. That translated to a 113 wRC+, showing solid production against upper-level pitching.
The Braves are familiar with Brujan from a prior stint. They claimed him off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles in August 2025 and gave him 23 games down the stretch. He hit .268/.362/.317 with five RBI in 41 at-bats during that stretch.
Overall, Brujan has appeared in 271 major league games since debuting with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021. He has also played for the Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Orioles, Braves and Mets, primarily at shortstop and second base.
His career slash line stands at .197/.266/.272 with five home runs and 49 RBI in 658 plate appearances. The numbers reflect limited power and a 53 wRC+ across his six seasons in the majors.
Brujan has shown defensive value despite modest playing time at shortstop. He has logged 394 innings at the position and accumulated five Defensive Runs Saved. Only 32 shortstops in that span have posted a higher total, a list that includes retired players such as Miguel Rojas, Andrelton Simmons and David Fletcher.
The Braves viewed the signing as a low-risk way to add infield depth. Their shortstop group of Mauricio Dubon, Ha-Seong Kim, Jim Jarvis and Jorge Mateo combined for minus-0.4 bWAR in 2026, ranking 23rd among MLB clubs at the position.
Dubon, Mateo and Kim are all eligible for free agency this offseason. Brujan does not transform the position into a strength overnight, but he provides a versatile piece who can handle multiple spots while the club evaluates longer-term options.
Born in San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic, Brujan entered the majors as a top prospect known for his speed and switch-hitting ability. His career has been defined more by utility work than everyday production at the plate.
He was designated for assignment by the Braves in January 2026, claimed by the Minnesota Twins, then moved to the Mets in a cash deal. Limited major league opportunities followed before he elected free agency.
The minor league deal positions Brujan for a non-roster invitation to spring training. Teams often use such agreements to retain flexible depth without committing a 40-man roster spot during the offseason.
Brujan’s ability to play second base, shortstop, third base and the outfield gives the Braves coverage across the diamond. His Triple-A production in 2026 suggests he can still contribute if injuries create openings in Atlanta.
The move continues a pattern for the Braves, who have prioritized inexpensive depth pieces to support a core that includes Ozzie Albies at second base. With several infielders heading into free agency, the organization is filling the margins early in the offseason.
