Braves Sign Veteran First Baseman Rowdy Tellez to Minor League Deal

Atlanta adds experienced depth at first base as they trim spring training roster

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:11am

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The Atlanta Braves have signed veteran first baseman Rowdy Tellez to a minor league contract. Tellez, 31, has played parts of nine MLB seasons and will provide depth at first base for the Braves. The team also made several roster moves on Friday, including reassigning top prospect JR Ritchie to minor league camp.

Why it matters

The Braves are looking to bolster their depth at first base, a key position, ahead of the upcoming season. Tellez has big-league experience and could be a serviceable option if needed, though the move is not a headline-grabbing one for the defending World Series champions.

The details

Tellez split the 2025 season between the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers, hitting a combined .228. Over his career, he has a .234 batting average and has played 4,523 innings at first base with a .995 fielding percentage. The Braves' spring training roster now stands at 36 players after several reassignments on Friday, including top pitching prospect JR Ritchie.

  • On Friday, the Braves signed Rowdy Tellez to a minor league deal.
  • The Braves made several roster moves on Friday, including reassigning JR Ritchie to minor league camp.
  • Chris Sale was named the Braves' Opening Day starter for their matchup with the Kansas City Royals next week.

The players

Rowdy Tellez

A 31-year-old first baseman who has played parts of nine MLB seasons, most recently with the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers in 2025.

JR Ritchie

A top pitching prospect in the Braves' farm system who was reassigned to minor league camp on Friday.

Chris Sale

The Braves' Opening Day starting pitcher for their matchup with the Kansas City Royals next week.

Austin Riley

The Braves' third baseman who hit a home run in Friday's 8-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Braves are taking a low-risk flier on Rowdy Tellez to add experienced depth at first base, a key position, as they prepare for the upcoming season. While not a splashy move, it could pay dividends if Tellez can provide a steady presence off the bench or in a starting role if needed.