Braves resign utility player to minor league deal

The Atlanta Braves have re-signed Luke Williams to a minor league deal, according to MLB.com’s transactions tracker. He has been assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett and also appeared in Thursday’s game as a pinch runner.

The move continues a recurring roster cycle for Williams, who was added to Atlanta’s roster earlier this month while Michael Harris II was on the paternity list. After Harris returned, Williams was designated for assignment, cleared waivers, and elected free agency. Since being claimed by the Braves in the summer of 2023, this marks the third instance of him reaching free agency and quickly re-signing with the organization.

Williams owns a major league batting line of .212/.272/.280 across 350 plate appearances. He brings defensive flexibility, having played every position except catcher throughout his career, along with 25 stolen bases in 31 attempts at the MLB level.

Atlanta’s roster situation has also influenced the decision. The team has limited optionable position-player depth, with Nacho Alvarez Jr. being the only 40-man roster player not currently in the majors or on the injured list. Alvarez has hit .182/.325/.212 in Triple-A this season.

Williams’ professional background includes being drafted in the third round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies and making his MLB debut in 2021. Early in his minor league career, he combined modest offensive production with clear baserunning value, including a .288/.400/.331 slash line with nine steals in rookie ball in 2015 and a .216/.269/.264 line with 29 steals in Single-A in 2017. In Double-A during 2019, he hit .238/.319/.395 with 77 runs, 30 doubles, 51 RBI, and 30 stolen bases.

He has also played extensively across the field in the minors, including 303 games at third base and appearances at multiple other positions. His career has included multiple MLB stops with the Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Braves organizations through various transactions, including trades, waiver claims, and outright assignments.