Former Atlanta utility player Charlie Culberson has agreed to a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers with a spring training invite, per John Blake of the Rangers organization.
The Rangers have signed free agent INF-OF Charlie Culberson to a 2021 minor League contract with a spring training invite. Has spent last 3 seasons with ATL and is a .249 career hitter with SF, COL, LAD, and ATL from 2012-20.
— John Blake (@RangerBlake) December 28, 2020
Atlanta originally acquired the versatile infielder in the Matt Kemp salary swap deal in 2017. Culberson was a peripheral part of the Atlanta roster since the trade, but his role had been diminishing as the team got better and the depth improved. Culberson barely touched the field during the 2020 season for Atlanta, despite many injuries, which was likely a sign that he wouldn’t be back for another season.
Culberson had some clutch moments for the Braves, despite having lackluster overall production. Perhaps his best moment in Atlanta was this game-saving outfield assist in 2019 against the Miami Marlins.
Zero outs.
— FOX Sports South (@FOXSportsSouth) July 7, 2019
Bases loaded.
One-run game.
WATCH THIS THROW FROM CHARLIE CULBERSON. pic.twitter.com/hZDMBWPccx
Culberson was a fan favorite for these clutch moments, his uncanny resemblance to Dansby Swanson, and his reputation as a well-liked clubhouse presence. I’m sure all of the Braves community will be wishing Charlie the best for the remainder of his career.
This move doesn’t really impact the Atlanta roster much, since Culberson didn’t play much in 2020, but it is one familiar option that is now off the table to return to Atlanta.