Braves Sign DaShawn Keirsey Jr. to Minor-League Contract

This article takes a look at the Atlanta Braves’ decision to sign outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. to a minor-league contract. What does this move actually mean for Keirsey and the team?

Let’s break down Keirsey’s career path and his performance at both the major- and minor-league levels. Where does he fit in Atlanta’s crowded outfield as a low-risk depth option?

Braves Take a Low-Risk Flier on DaShawn Keirsey Jr.

The Braves quietly added another name to their outfield mix in December, picking up DaShawn Keirsey Jr. on a minor-league deal. The signing didn’t make much noise, but it fits Atlanta’s habit of taking smart, low-risk shots on depth players.

Keirsey hit free agency after the Minnesota Twins designated him for assignment and then non-tendered him in November. At 28, he’s not really a prospect anymore, but his skill set could give the Braves a handy option if things get weird with injuries or roster moves.

Keirsey’s Path to Atlanta

Keirsey made his big-league debut with Minnesota in 2024, but only got into six games. He saw more action in 2025, appearing in 74 games, though the Twins didn’t give him many chances to hit.

Across those 74 appearances, he managed just 88 plate appearances. The Twins mostly used him as a situational guy, not as a regular in the lineup.

A Limited MLB Resume, but Clear Tools

At the major-league level, Keirsey’s bat just didn’t get going. He posted a .107/.138/.179 slash line with two home runs in those 88 plate appearances. That’s a tough line to look at.

But, honestly, the raw numbers don’t really show how the Twins used him.

Speed and Defense Define His MLB Role

Keirsey’s main value came when he wasn’t hitting. He stole 10 bases in 13 attempts, usually popping into games late as a pinch-runner or defensive sub. His speed and ability to cover ground in the outfield explain why Minnesota kept him around even though the bat lagged behind.

Those same tools probably caught Atlanta’s eye. He’s more of a depth piece than a bat-first guy.

Triple-A Numbers Tell a Different Story

Keirsey struggled in the bigs, but his Triple-A stats look a lot better. Over 186 games and 818 plate appearances at that level, he put up a strong .284/.363/.448 slash line.

That kind of production hints there might be more offense in there than what he’s shown in the majors so far.

Power, Speed, and Versatility in the Minors

In Triple-A, Keirsey tallied 19 home runs and 51 stolen bases in 58 tries. He moved around the outfield, spending most of his time in center but getting reps everywhere.

There’s still a big question mark about his strikeout rate, though. That’s been an issue for him throughout the minors, and he’ll need to tighten things up if he wants to stick in the majors.

Where He Fits on the Braves’ Depth Chart

Cracking Atlanta’s everyday outfield is a tall order. The Braves already have regulars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, Jurickson Profar, and new addition Mike Yastrzemski.

So, Keirsey’s best shot is probably as a bench or reserve player. That’s just the reality with this roster right now.

A Crowded Bench Competition

Atlanta has a few more names in the mix for backup outfield spots. The list includes:

Keirsey looks like a low-risk, high-reward signing in this situation. If his Triple-A numbers show up even a little at the big-league level, maybe the Braves find themselves a handy speed-and-defense guy. If not, well, they didn’t lose much—these are the kinds of moves contenders have to try every winter, aren’t they?

 
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