Atlanta Braves Sign José Azocar to Minor-League Deal, Other Updates

The Major League Baseball offseason isn’t just about headline-grabbing trades or signings. Sometimes, it’s the subtle roster tweaks that end up shaping a team’s season.

In the latest round of winter updates, a handful of teams made interesting moves. These transactions could shift their depth charts and payrolls in ways that matter come summer.

The Atlanta Braves, for example, added some outfield insurance. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Angels reshaped their payroll situation. All in all, these moves show how clubs are setting themselves up for what’s ahead.

Braves Reunite With José Azócar

The Braves quietly brought back a familiar outfielder on a low-risk deal. Maybe it’s not the kind of move that lights up social media, but these signings matter over a 162-game grind.

Minor League Deal With Major League Implications

Just Baseball’s Aram Leighton reported that the Braves signed José Azócar to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training. Azócar had a short stint with Atlanta during the 2025 season, playing in only two games before moving on.

Later that year, he found more playing time with the New York Mets. He brought defense and speed off the bench, which teams always seem to need.

For Atlanta, Azócar isn’t a lock for the roster. Still, this is the kind of depth move that contenders count on when injuries and fatigue start piling up.

What Azócar Brings to the Table

Azócar has carved out a role as a versatile outfielder with sharp defensive instincts. The bat hasn’t always been there, but he covers ground and adds value on the bases.

• Speed and outfield range
• Experience as a bench option
• Low-cost depth for a playoff contender

Angels Restructure Anthony Rendon Contract

The Los Angeles Angels made a move with bigger financial consequences. They’ve taken a different approach after years of frustration with a big contract.

Deferred Money, Clean Break

The Angels and Anthony Rendon reworked his deal, deferring the last $38 million owed to him. The team also confirmed Rendon won’t return to the Angels.

Rendon was supposed to be a cornerstone, but injuries and inconsistency got in the way. By deferring the money, the Angels get some payroll relief and finally move on from a disappointing mega-deal.

Kirby Yates Bolsters Angels Bullpen

The Angels didn’t stop with Rendon—they made a more classic baseball move, too.

One-Year Deal Brings Veteran Stability

Veteran reliever Kirby Yates signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Angels. When he’s healthy, Yates can be a real weapon in high-leverage spots and he misses bats.

The Angels need some stability in their bullpen. Yates gives them experience and upside without tying up the payroll for years—a gamble that makes sense for a team in transition.

Yankees Add Infield Depth With Amed Rosario

The New York Yankees took a quieter approach, focusing on their infield depth.

A Versatile Option for the Bronx

The Yankees signed infielder Amed Rosario to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Rosario brings versatility, handling multiple infield spots, and he can run and make contact off the bench.

Injuries and lineup juggling are just part of a long season. Rosario gives the Yankees a reliable, short-term fix that doesn’t mess with their long-term plans.

An Offseason Defined by Flexibility

These moves might not steal headlines, but they really show how teams quietly craft winning rosters. Depth signings like José Azócar, financial resets like the Angels’ decision with Rendon, or those clever one-year deals for veterans—all of it shapes what the 2026 MLB season could look like.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Braves News: José Azocar deal, New Year’s Eve, and more