A closer look at what Luis Guillorme brings to the Braves
The Atlanta Braves made an under the radar move in signing Luis Guillorme. Let’s take a closer look at the former Met.
In early January, The Atlanta Braves made what was clearly a depth move in adding former New York Mets utility player Luis Guillorme. This move seemed a bit of a head scratcher for a few reasons. First, the Braves already have David Fletcher who can fill the role, and secondly Guillorme had a terrible year in 2023.
In fifty-four games last year Guillorme had one-hundred-twenty plate appearances in which he had a slash line of .224/.288/.327, one HR, 70 wRC+ and an fWAR of -0.3. He did play three positions in the infield (3B, SS, and 2B), with above average Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) at both 2B and 3B. However, his overall defensive metrics were nothing to write home about with a Defensive Runs Saved either league average of slightly below in all three positions.
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Versatility is nice, but the Braves infielders don’t miss many games when healthy. In fact, even with injuries, the Braves starting infielders collectively played in 93.8 percent of all possible games. Plus, the Braves are already paying David Fletcher who can fill the role.
So, why add Guillorme?
There are multiple variables involved in most signings, and this one is no different. A Guillorme signing is obviously more of a depth move than anything else. Fletcher has a minor league option and so that allows the Braves to bring in Guillorme to add some insurance at a low cost. Guillorme will only cost the Braves $1.1MM this season, so if it does not work out, they can release him and bring up Fletcher. Or, worst case scenario, if someone gets hurt then the Braves can bring up Fletcher and can play the platoon matchups since Fletcher bats righty and Guillorme bats lefty.
Again, if we look at Guillorme’s numbers from last season, there is not sugar coating it. They were bad. But, prior to that, he had respectable numbers with the bat and glove.
In 2022 he had three-hundred-thirty-five PAs and had a wRC+ 4.0 percent higher than league average. He was also league average or better in DRS, UZR, and OAA at all three infield spots he plays. In fact, his OAA was in the top 9.0 percent of MLB according to Statcast. This equated to an overall fWAR of 1.3. This output is not an All-Star level talent by any means, but most teams would be happy to have that as their primary utility guy.
Last year’s performance was not just a case of bad luck. His xwOBA was also terrible at 0.238 (league average in 2023 was .320). However, if we look at the rest of his career, his xwOBA was much better.
