Hold onto your hats, baseball fans, because the Braves just shook things up with a surprising addition to their spring training roster! Kyle Farmer has been added as a Non-Roster Invitee (NRI), joining the 24 other players already vying for a spot on the team. This move, reported by Mark Bowman of MLB.com, comes as a bit of a head-scratcher given Farmer's recent performance.
Let’s break it down: Farmer spent the 2025 season with the Colorado Rockies, where his offensive numbers left much to be desired. We’re talking a .227/.280/.365 slash line, eight home runs, and a measly 65 wRC+ over 97 games. To put it bluntly, his fWAR of -1.0 wasn’t exactly a highlight. Even in his peak year of 2021 with the Cincinnati Reds, Farmer only managed a 91 wRC+ over 529 plate appearances. So, it’s safe to say he’s never been a powerhouse at the plate.
But here’s where it gets interesting: While Farmer’s bat might not be his strongest suit, his defensive skills have historically been his saving grace—though even that took a hit last season. In 2025, he recorded -5 Outs Above Average (OAA), landing him in the 11th percentile league-wide, according to Statcast. His arm strength didn’t exactly shine either. However, this could be an outlier year, as Farmer has had standout defensive seasons in the past. Take 2021, for instance, when he posted 5 OAA (92nd percentile) with the Reds, or 2024, when he repeated the feat with the Twins.
So, why are the Braves taking a chance on him? And this is the part most people miss: It’s likely they’re betting on a change of scenery to reignite his potential. If Farmer can bounce back to his defensive best, he could be a reliable bench option for spot defensive substitutions. For now, he’s definitely a player to watch as spring training kicks off.
Controversial take: Is Farmer’s addition a smart gamble or a wasted roster spot? The Braves clearly see something worth exploring, but will he prove them right? Let’s hear your thoughts—are you Team Farmer or Team Pass? Sound off in the comments!
