Kyle Farmer -- General News

The Braves agreed to a minor league contract with 35-year-old infielder Kyle Farmer, who will attend spring training as a non-roster invitee competing for a bench role. Farmer was the Reds' starting shortstop in 2021-22 and had a solid 2023 season with the Twins, posting a .258/.316/.402 slash line with 94 wRC+ while playing solid defense across shortstop, third base, and second base. However, his performance has declined significantly over the past two seasons: he hit .214/.293/.353 in 2024 with Minnesota and .227/.280/.365 with the Rockies last season, leading the Twins to decline his option and making him a free agent.

The Braves made this move after Ha-Seong Kim, their recent $20MM one-year shortstop signing, suffered a freak injury when he slipped on ice and tore a tendon in his hand, requiring surgery that could sideline him for the first couple months of the season. Atlanta responded by signing Jorge Mateo to a one-year deal and now adding Farmer as additional depth. Mauricio Dubon is lined up as the primary shortstop replacement, with the versatile defender able to play multiple positions including the outfield.

Farmer must prove himself during spring training to break camp with the club. While he has shown ability against left-handed pitching throughout his career (.279/.341/.464 in 792 plate appearances), his recent struggles and the presence of other shortstop alternatives like Mateo make his roster spot uncertain. Both Mateo and Farmer are right-handed veterans who cannot be optioned, potentially creating redundancy during final roster decisions.

The Atlanta Braves announced split contracts for veterans Dominic Smith and Kyle Farmer for the 2026 season. Both players were already in spring training on minor league deals but held Article XX(B) free agent rights allowing them to opt out five days before Opening Day if not added to the 40-man roster. The new agreements ensure both will break camp with the club.

The signings became viable after Jurickson Profar received a season-long PED suspension and Ha-Seong Kim suffered a torn finger tendon injury sidelining him until at least May. These roster gaps created opportunities for Smith and Farmer, who are both out of minor league options. Being out of options means the Braves would have to designate either for assignment to send them to the minors, though both possess sufficient MLB service time to reject such assignments outright.

Smith, a left-handed hitter, could earn at-bats as a DH option and occasional backup outfielder, though Matt Olson occupies his usual first base position on an everyday basis. Farmer addresses infield depth concerns with Mauricio Dubon assuming the shortstop role vacated by Kim's injury. Jorge Mateo, Brett Wisely, and Eli White are also competing for bench roles. The Braves had two open 40-man roster spots to accommodate the signings.

Kyle Farmer, a 35-year-old career minor league and major league player, is experiencing the fulfillment of a childhood dream by playing shortstop for the Atlanta Braves. Farmer, who grew up in Georgia as a devoted Braves fan, trotted out to play the position Friday at Coors Field during Atlanta's 8-6 victory over the Rockies. Throughout his professional career, Farmer has played for several organizations including the Dodgers, Twins, Reds, and Rockies, primarily as a utility infielder. His journey to the majors was unconventional, starting in minor league systems before eventually earning his opportunity at the highest level. Now, late in his career at 35 years old, Farmer has finally achieved his goal of wearing a Braves uniform, representing the realization of a lifelong ambition rooted in his childhood passion for the organization.

The Atlanta Braves signed infielder Kyle Farmer to a one-year split contract on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The 35-year-old was invited to spring training in early February and produced strong results during the Grapefruit League games, batting .400/.417/.514 with one home run and five RBIs across 12 games and 36 plate appearances.

Farmer's path to the Opening Day roster was cleared when Jurickson Profar was suspended for the entire 2026 season after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs for the second time within a year. However, despite his impressive spring showing, Farmer could still begin the season at the Triple-A level with the Gwinnett Stripers rather than making the major league roster immediately.

The Atlanta Braves have signed infielders Kyle Farmer and Dominic Smith to major league contracts Saturday after both attended spring training on minor league deals. Each player agreed to a split contract with a $1.25 million major league salary and lower compensation if assigned to the minors.

Farmer, 35, played 97 games for the Colorado Rockies in 2024, batting .227 with a .280 on-base percentage, 8 homers, and 31 RBIs while starting games at all four infield positions. Over 804 career games with the Dodgers, Reds, Twins, and Rockies, he holds a .247 average with 63 homers and 285 RBIs.

Smith, 30, appeared in 63 games for the San Francisco Giants last season, posting a .284 average with a .333 on-base percentage, 5 homers, and 33 RBIs while playing primarily first base. In 756 career games with the Mets, Nationals, Red Sox, Reds, and Giants, Smith has compiled a .250 average with 69 homers and 292 RBIs.