Braves lose more talent to LA as Angels sign Travis d’Arnaud

In a move that stings for Braves fans, the Los Angeles Angels have scooped up veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud on a two-year, $12 million deal, marking another instance of Atlanta’s talent heading westward. The 35-year-old has been a stalwart behind the plate for the Braves since 2020, known not just for his steady offensive production but also for his leadership and experience in the clubhouse.

D’Arnaud departs Atlanta after a season where he hit .238 over 99 Games, tallying 15 home runs - a mark that put him among the top-performing catchers in the National League. While he spent a good portion of his recent seasons as a platoon option with the younger and dynamic Sean Murphy, d’Arnaud consistently brought veteran acumen and postseason seasoning to the table, attributes the Angels hope will bolster their lineup and pitching staff next season.

The Angels' signing adds depth and proven experience to their catching corps, a need that became more apparent following their recent struggles. Meanwhile, Atlanta now faces the challenge of reshuffling its roster at the catcher position. Though Murphy remains the primary backstop, younger prospects like Drake Baldwin may now find an accelerated path to playing time. This shift in Atlanta’s roster further underscores the club’s recent decisions, including declining d‘Arnaud’s club option - a move that, while pragmatic financially, highlighted the evolving priorities of the Braves’ front office.

For d‘Arnaud, the return to California, where he was born and raised, likely carries sentimental value as he joins a team that has been hungry for veteran leadership in key positions. Across his career, d’Arnaud has shown resilience, having come back from injuries and various trades to earn both an All-Star nod in 2022 and a World Series ring with Atlanta in 2021. His reputation as a beloved teaMMAte and a catcher who coMMAnds respect from pitchers will make him a valuable addition to the Angels’ dugout.