The Atlanta Braves, who signed free agent first baseman Yonder Alonso over the winter as an insurance option at the position, has decided to move on from him and trade the Cuban-American star back to his former team.
Atlanta, who left Alonso off of its roster for the MLB restart, had been without the veteran first baseman as he decided not to report to the team’s alternate training site.
In doing this, the former Padres forced his hand and the Braves decided to cut bait, sending him to San Diego in exchange for an unspecified amount of cash.
Alonso was an easy choice for San Diego to acquire, as his familiarity with the franchise and the team’s uncertainty at the position as Eric Hosmer deals with an intestinal ailment which has placed him on the 10-day injured list.
The 33-year-old player spent time with the Chicago White Sox and Colorado Rockies last season, posting the worst numbers of his career. Alonso batted just .199 with 10 home runs in 122 games, a disappointing follow-up to back-to-back 20 home run seasons in 2017 and 2018.
Alonso is expected to be called up to the team’s active roster and get some at-bats and innings at first base or the designated hitter position in Hosmer’s absence.
