Braves Leave Fans Baffled: Demote Emerging Power Bat While Signing Light-Hitting Utility Man in Roster Shake-Up

By Drew Koch | May 23, 2025

The Atlanta Braves made a surprising roster move ahead of their crucial weekend clash with the Miami Marlins. While there were whispers about reinforcements coming due to the club’s ongoing injury woes, few expected the Braves to cut into their power depth by demoting Luke Waddell to Triple-A Gwinnett — all to make room for recently released utility man Garrett Hampson.

Hampson, who was cut by the Arizona Diamondbacks after struggling mightily at the plate (.167/.359/.167 over 18 games), now finds himself on a Braves roster that has desperately needed offensive production with key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley nursing injuries. Hampson is versatile defensively, capable of playing shortstop, second base, and center field — but his bat has historically lagged far behind his glove.

To create space on the 40-man roster, the Braves moved Huascar Ynoa to the 60-day injured list.

Brian Snitker Prioritizes Defensive Versatility Amid Injury Toll

Manager Brian Snitker explained the logic behind the move, pointing to the club’s need for more defensive coverage amid a rash of injuries that has depleted the bench. “We’ve been stretched thin,” Snitker said. “Adding a guy like Garrett gives us more options late in games and coverage in case something else happens.”

Still, the loss of Waddell — who had been showing flashes of gap-to-gap power and solid contact skills off the bench — leaves a noticeable hole in a lineup already battling inconsistency. Fans took to social media to voice confusion over the swap, especially given Hampson’s weak career slash line of .239/.302/.358 and a subpar 69 wRC+.

As one fan quipped, “We just traded a spark for a Band-Aid.”

Pitching Holding Firm, But Offense Remains in Question

With Chris Sale continuing to anchor the rotation and the bullpen holding steady, the Braves have stayed afloat in the standings. But with the offense sputtering and star power sidelined, any move that weakens the lineup — even temporarily — raises eyebrows.

For now, the Braves are betting on versatility over firepower. Time will tell if that’s the right call as they battle through a critical stretch in the National League race.