Terrance Gore has been able to build a major league career out of one plus attribute – his amazing speed. He has played in parts of seven seasons, typically serving as a defensive replacement or a pinch runner. Nonetheless, his services have been in demand by teams looking to make a run to the postseason over his career.
The Atlanta Braves are the latest team hoping that Gore can steal a win or two come October as they have signed the speedster to a minor league contract.
#Braves have signed OF Terrance Gore to a minor league contract.
— MiLB-Transactions (@tombaseball29) February 25, 2021
Atlanta Braves hope Terrance Gore can lead to postseason run
Gore has had a very unique major league career. He has appeared in 102 career major league games, with just 77 plate appearances. Of those 77 plate appearances, 58 came for the Royals in 2019 when Kansas City was desperately trying to find anything close to a major league caliber outfielder. If that season is removed from the equation, Gore has just 19 plate appearances in 65 games.
In a surprise, Gore was actually decent enough in that extended look in 2019. He produced a .275/.368/.353 batting line in those 58 plate appearances, posting a respectable 91 OPS+. However, he produced most of his value with his legs, stealing 13 bases and scoring 13 runs.
And that is what teams bring Gore in for – his speed. Over his time in the majors, he has stolen 40 bases and scored 32 runs. He has been used as a late inning weapon come September and October, continuing his unique career as he has stolen five bases and scored three runs despite having just two postseason plate appearances.
The Braves are obviously hoping that Gore can continue to be that player for them as well. He is not likely to receive many plate appearances, if any at all, during the regular season. However, he may be able to steal a game or two in September, and then become a weapon once October rolls around.
Terrance Gore has been one of the more unique weapons in the game when it comes to September and October. The Atlanta Braves are hoping for more of the same this year.