Braves Sign Veteran Power Hitter to Minor League Deal

Rowdy Tellez joins Atlanta's system after playing for Mexico in World Baseball Classic

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:21am

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The Atlanta Braves have signed veteran first baseman/designated hitter Rowdy Tellez to a minor league contract. Tellez, an eight-year MLB veteran, most recently played for the Texas Rangers in 2025 and represented Mexico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He will likely report to the Braves' Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett as the team looks to add depth and power to their system.

Why it matters

The Braves are looking to add veteran depth to their lineup, especially against right-handed pitching where Tellez has had more success. While he struggled at times with the Pirates, Mariners and Rangers the past two seasons, Tellez still provides power potential that could help the Braves at the major league level if needed.

The details

Tellez, 31, will report to the Braves' Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett. He played in four games for Mexico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, going 1-for-9 with two walks. In 2025, Tellez posted an .753 OPS against right-handed pitching compared to a .258 OPS against lefties, so he will likely be used primarily as a platoon bat and DH option if he makes it to the majors.

  • Tellez signed his minor league deal with the Braves on March 21, 2026.
  • He played for Mexico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic in the weeks leading up to his signing with Atlanta.

The players

Rowdy Tellez

An eight-year MLB veteran first baseman/designated hitter who has played for the Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers.

Nacho Alvarez

An infielder in the Braves' system who was Tellez's teammate on the Mexican national team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Matt Olson

The Braves' starting first baseman, who has been on an 'Iron Man' streak and is unlikely to be displaced at the position unless in a blowout late-inning scenario.

Dominic Smith

A non-roster invitee to Braves' spring training who is batting .242 with a .706 OPS and remains in big league camp, making him another potential depth option for the team.

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What they’re saying

“Rowdy Tellez to Braves. Minors deal.”

— Jon Heyman, MLB insider

What’s next

It's unclear if Tellez will see any action in the remaining Grapefruit League games before the start of the 2026 MLB season. He will likely report to Triple-A Gwinnett to get regular at-bats and work his way back into game shape after not participating in major league spring training.

The takeaway

The Braves are adding veteran depth to their system by signing Rowdy Tellez to a minor league deal, providing them with a power-hitting option who has had success against right-handed pitching in the past. While he'll likely start the year in the minors, Tellez could get a chance with the big league club if injuries or performance issues arise during the season.