Braves sign Omar Infante to minor-league deal

The Braves have signed infielder Omar Infante to a minor-league deal, a source confirmed Thursday afternoon. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports was first to report the agreement.

Infante will report to Triple-A Gwinnett, but could join the Braves’ major-league team in a few weeks. His includes an opt-out clause in three weeks, according to a source. After three weeks, he will have a rolling opt-out that will allow him to leave the Braves’ organization at any time.

Infante, 34, was designated for assignment and subsequently released by the Royals earlier this month. He hit just .239/.279/.321 with Kansas City this year, and is still owed about $18 million by the Royals on the remainder of the 4-year, $30.25 million deal he signed before the 2014 season.

Infante is the latest veteran to join the Braves, who are looking to rebuild and are expected to be active on the trade market before August 1. Infante may be a replacement for trade candidates like Gordon Beckham and Chase d’Arnaud, or could become a trade chip if he is able to succeed in the majors before the deadline.

Infante played for the Braves from 2008 to 2010, hitting .309/.353/.411 with 13 home runs in 300 games. He was named to an All-Star in 2010 as a Brave.