Braves sign Christian Colon to minor-league deal

Christian Colon  of the Kansas City Royals reaches out but can't stop a ball hit by Yolmer Sanchez  of the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium on May 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)

Credit: Ed Zurga

Credit: Ed Zurga

Christian Colon of the Kansas City Royals reaches out but can't stop a ball hit by Yolmer Sanchez of the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium on May 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)

The Braves signed infielder Christian Colon to a minor-league deal, according to a person familiar with the situation. The 28-year-old spent last season with the Royals and Marlins.

Colon is a utilityman with experience at second, third base and shortstop. His signing comes on the heels of David O'Brien's report that the team was searching for infield depth after non-tendering the versatile Jace Peterson and Danny Santana.

Selected fourth overall in the 2010 draft, Colon made a mark in his debut season when he scored the winning run in the 2014 American League wild-card game. He also knocked in the go-ahead run against the Mets in Game 5 of the 2015 World Series, leading to the Royals’ championship.

Despite his pair of clutch moments, Colon failed to carve out an everyday role in Kansas City. He slashed .263/.323/.329 across four seasons before the Marlins claimed him off waivers last May.

Colon hit .152 over 38 plate appearances before the Marlins outrighted him to Triple-A. He finished the season with a .160/.236/.180 slash line over just 57 plate appearances.

The agreement with the Braves likely includes an invitation to spring training. Colon’s versatility will help his case for a bench spot, with the recent non-tenderings and utilityman Johan Camargo potentially starting at third base.