Brian Anderson (third baseman)

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Brian Anderson

|image = Brian Anderson (cropped).jpg

|caption = Anderson with the Miami Marlins in 2018

|team = Free agent

|number =

|position = Third baseman / Right fielder

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|5|19}}

|birth_place = Edmond, Oklahoma, U.S.

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = September 1

|debutyear = 2017

|debutteam = Miami Marlins

|statyear = 2024 season

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .251

|stat2label = Home runs

|stat2value = 66

|stat3label = Runs batted in

|stat3value = 273

|teams =

Miami Marlins ({{mlby|2017}}–{{mlby|2022}})
Milwaukee Brewers ({{mlby|2023}})
Atlanta Braves ({{mlby|2024}})

}}

Brian Wade Anderson (born May 19, 1993) is an American professional baseball third baseman and right fielder who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, and Atlanta Braves. He made his MLB debut in 2017 with the Marlins. Anderson played college baseball for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Amateur career

Anderson attended Deer Creek High School in Edmond, Oklahoma and was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 20th round of the 2011 MLB draft.{{cite web|url=http://newsok.com/article/3800681|title=MLB Draft coming out party for Deer Creek|date=June 9, 2011|access-date=November 19, 2016}} He did not sign with the Twins and enrolled at the University of Arkansas, where he played college baseball for the Arkansas Razorbacks.{{cite web|url=http://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2012/jun/08/freshman-filling-nicely-hogs-20120608/|title=WholeHogSports - Freshman filling in nicely for Hogs|date=June 8, 2012 |access-date=November 19, 2016}}

File:Evansville at Arkansas baseball, 2013 021.jpg

Anderson contributed as a freshman during the 2012 Razorbacks season.{{ cite web |title= Grand in finales - Razorbacks battered, bruised … triumphant |last=Holt |first=Bob |publisher= WEHCO Media |location= Little Rock, Arkansas |work= Arkansas Democrat-Gazette |issn=1060-4332 |url= https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/14D560715BC377B8 |via=NewsBank |access-date= January 31, 2021 }} Anderson played 47 games, mixed among second base, third base, and right field for the Hogs, hitting .283 with 2 home runs and 11 RBI. The Razorbacks reached the 2012 College World Series and ended the season ranked #3 nationally.

In 2013, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|url=http://pointstreak.com/baseball/player.html?playerid=436132&seasonid=21954 |title=#24 Brian Anderson - Profile |publisher=pointstreak.com |access-date=September 25, 2019}}

During Anderson's junior season at Arkansas, the 2014 Razorbacks finished 40–25 and were eliminated in the NCAA tournament Regionals. Anderson hit .328 and played third base and right field.{{ cite web |title= Former Hog solid for young Marlins, is contender for National League rookie of the year |url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2018/jul/24/former-hog-solid-for-young-marlins-2018/ |author=The Associated Press |date= July 24, 2018 |publisher= WEHCO Media |location= Little Rock, Arkansas |work= Arkansas Democrat-Gazette |issn=1060-4332 |access-date= January 31, 2021 }}

Professional career

=Miami Marlins=

==Minor leagues==

After his junior year, the Miami Marlins selected Anderson in the third round of the 2014 MLB draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/anderson_selected_by_miami_marlins_in_2014_mlb_draft_209517977/|title=Anderson Selected by Miami Marlins in 2014 MLB Draft|first=FOCIL|last=ANDRES|date=July 23, 2014|access-date=November 19, 2016}} Anderson made his professional debut with the Batavia Muckdogs of the Low–A New York-Penn League and was promoted to the Greensboro Grasshoppers of the Single–A South Atlantic League after 20 games. In 59 total games between the two teams, he slashed .300/.363/.496 with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs.

In 2015, Anderson played for the Jupiter Hammerheads of the High–A Florida State League where he batted .235 with eight home runs and 62 RBIs in 132 games. After the regular season, he played in the Arizona Fall League.{{cite web|url=http://archive.tcpalm.com/specialty-publications/jupiter-courier/brian-anderson-318a34cf-d758-332c-e053-0100007fc53d--377609301.html|title=BRIAN ANDERSON|access-date=November 19, 2016}}

In 2016, Anderson played for both Jupiter and the Jacksonville Suns of the Double–A Southern League{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/brian-anderson-made-strides-marlins/#SiXzqQxslApzhmS1.97|title=Brian Anderson Made Strides For Marlins - BaseballAmerica.com|date=September 9, 2016|access-date=November 19, 2016}} where he compiled a combined .265 batting average with 11 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 21 doubles in 135 games between the two teams. He was named the Marlins Minor League Player of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://m.marlins.mlb.com/news/article/202919594/marlins-reward-luis-castillo-brian-anderson/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924163427/http://m.marlins.mlb.com/news/article/202919594/marlins-reward-luis-castillo-brian-anderson/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2016|title=Marlins reward Luis Castillo, Brian Anderson|access-date=November 19, 2016}} He played in the Arizona Fall League after the season for the second consecutive year.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-207444388|title=Arizona Fall League Mesa notebook: Miami Marlins prospect Brian Anderson stays hot in the desert - MiLB.com News - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|access-date=November 19, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://m.marlins.mlb.com/news/article/207394318/marlins-afl-report-on-prospect-brian-anderson/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029105826/http://m.marlins.mlb.com/news/article/207394318/marlins-afl-report-on-prospect-brian-anderson/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 29, 2016|title=Marlins' AFL report on prospect Brian Anderson|access-date=November 19, 2016}}

In 2017, Anderson spent the season with both Jacksonville and the New Orleans Baby Cakes of the Triple–A International League, batting .275 with 22 home runs, 81 RBIs, and an .853 OPS in 120 games.{{cite news |url=https://www.milb.com/player/brian-anderson-605119 |title=Brian Anderson Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball |publisher=Minor League Baseball |access-date=April 27, 2018}} Midway through the season, Anderson represented the Marlins in the 2017 All-Star Futures Game.

==Major Leagues==

On September 1, 2017, the Marlins promoted Anderson to MLB from New Orleans, and he made his MLB debut that day.{{cite web |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/fish-bytes/article170852377.html|title=Marlins need some call-up magic from Brian Anderson|first=Clark|last=Spencer|date=September 1, 2017|access-date=April 2, 2018|work=Miami Herald}}

In 2018, Anderson started the season with the Marlins at third base.{{cite web |url=https://www.fishstripes.com/2018/3/16/17119536/brian-anderson-top-marlins-prospects-on-the-rise-2018|title=Brian Anderson: Marlin on the Rise

|first=Patrick |last=Hennessy|date=March 16, 2018|access-date=April 2, 2018|work=fishstripes.com}} He hit his first career home run on April 2, 2018, off Boston Red Sox pitcher Brian Johnson at Marlins Park.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=380402128|title=Another solid start for Red Sox as Johnson beats Marlins|agency=Associated Press|date=April 3, 2018|access-date=April 3, 2018|publisher=ESPN}} He led all Marlins players in games played (156), plate appearances (670) and runs scored (87).{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIA/2018.shtml|title=2018 Miami Marlins Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=December 25, 2019}} His season earned him mention as a possible National League Rookie of the Year contender, ultimately won by Ronald Acuña Jr.

In 2019, During his second full MLB season, Anderson set career highs in home runs (20), runs batted in (66) and OPS (.811). He also performed well defensively, totaling nine outfield assists in only 55 appearances in right field. On August 23, he fractured his left fifth metacarpal in his left hand when he was hit by a pitch during the bottom of the third inning.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/8/24/20830438/marlins-injury-updates-brian-anderson-hand-fracture-season-ending-miguel-rojas-cesar-puello-rehab|title=Marlins injury updates: Brian Anderson's hand; Miguel Rojas, César Puello on rehab; Jesús Sánchez|last=Sussman|first=Ely|date=August 24, 2019|website=Fish Stripes|language=en|access-date=December 25, 2019}} The injury did not require surgery, but ended his season prematurely.

On August 5, 2020, Anderson started at first base for the first time in his MLB career.{{ cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-piece-together-another-win-over-o-s | title=Marlins' makeshift staff completes DH sweep | work=MLB.com | author=Joe Frisaro | date=August 5, 2020 | access-date=August 8, 2020 }} He led NL third basemen that year in errors, with nine.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2020-specialpos_3b-fielding.shtml|title=2020 National League Third Base|website=Baseball-Reference.com}} On offense, Anderson slashed .255/.345/.465 with 11 home runs and 38 RBI in 200 at-bats.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/11/4/21549033/season-in-review-brian-anderson|title=2020 Marlins Season Review: Brian Anderson|date=November 4, 2020}}

On June 14, 2021, Anderson was placed on the 60-day injured list with a left shoulder subluxation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/06/marlins-move-brian-anderson-to-60-day-il-select-luis-madero.html|title = Marlins Move Brian Anderson to 60-Day IL, Select Luis Madero| date=June 14, 2021 }} On September 10, Anderson underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.{{cite news |last=McPherson |first=Jordan |date=September 10, 2021 |title=Miami Marlins' Brian Anderson's season ends as he heads for shoulder surgery |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/miami-marlins/article254150723.html |work=Miami Herald |access-date=March 31, 2022}}

On March 22, 2022, Anderson signed a $4.475 million contract with the Marlins, avoiding salary arbitration.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/arbtracker2022|title=Arbitration Tracker For 2022|access-date=March 23, 2022|website=MLBTradeRumors}} Anderson appeared in 98 games for Miami in 2022, slashing .222/.311/.346 with 8 home runs and 28 RBI. On November 18, he was non-tendered and became a free agent.

=Milwaukee Brewers=

On January 23, 2023, Anderson signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/brian-anderson-signs-1-year-deal-with-brewers | title=Anderson finalizes Brewers deal, eager for 'fun baseball' | website=MLB.com }} In 96 games for Milwaukee, he hit .226/.310/.368 with 9 home runs and 40 RBI. On September 28, Anderson was designated for assignment following Garrett Mitchell's activation from the injured list.{{Cite web|title=Brewers reinstate OF Mitchell, DFA Brian Anderson|url=https://www.ballysports.com/news/amp/brewers-reinstate-outfielder-garrett--mitchell-dfa-brian-anderson|access-date=September 28, 2023|website=ballysports.com|language=en}} On October 2, Anderson was released by the Brewers organization after clearing waivers.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-02 |title=Brian Anderson: Released by Milwaukee |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/brian-anderson-released-by-milwaukee/ |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=cbssports.com}}

= Seattle Mariners =

On February 23, 2024, Anderson signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-23 |title=Mariners To Sign Brian Anderson, Trevor Kelley To Minor League Deals |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/mariners-to-sign-brian-anderson-trevor-kelley-to-minor-league-deals.html |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} He was released by the Mariners organization on March 24.{{Cite web|title=Brian Anderson: Cut by M's|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/brian-anderson-cut-by-ms/amp/|access-date=March 26, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} On March 28, Anderson re–signed with the Mariners on a new minor league contract.{{Cite web|title=Mariners' Brian Anderson: Rejoins Seattle|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/mariners-brian-anderson-rejoins-seattle/amp/|access-date=March 29, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} In 42 games for the Triple–A Tacoma Rainiers, he batted .270/.358/.439 with six home runs and 28 RBI. Anderson triggered the opt–out clause in his contract and was released by the Mariners organization on June 1.{{Cite web|title=Brian Anderson, Michael Chavis Opt Out Of Minors Deals With Mariners|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/06/brian-anderson-michael-chavis-opt-out-of-minors-deals-with-mariners.html|access-date=June 2, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=June 2024 |language=en}}

= Atlanta Braves =

On June 4, 2024, Anderson signed a major league contract with the Atlanta Braves.{{Cite news |last=Toscano |first=Justin |date=June 4, 2024 |title=Braves sign infielder Brian Anderson to major league contract |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-sign-infielder-brian-anderson-to-major-league-contract/7JC5MJKTWZHATCOJM7RK2BRJ5Q/ |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |language=English |issn=1539-7459}} In three games for the Braves, Anderson went 0–for–5 (.000). Anderson cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–A Gwinnett Stripers on July 15.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-15 |title=Braves' Brian Anderson: Outrighted off 40-man roster |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/braves-brian-anderson-outrighted-off-40-man-roster/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}} He elected free agency the following day.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-07-16 | title=Transactions }} On July 24, Anderson re-signed with Atlanta on a new minor league contract.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/roster/transactions | title=Transactions | website=MLB.com }} He became a free agent after the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2024/|title=Minor League Free Agents 2024|work=Baseball America|date=November 6, 2024|accessdate=November 6, 2024|first=Matt|last=Eddy}}