Well, Braves fans, Monday brought a surprising twist that not everyone saw coming. Atlanta made the expected decision to pick up Marcell Ozuna’s club option to secure the slugger for another season. Then, they threw a bit of a curveball by declining the club option for catcher Travis d’Arnaud.
With this decision, d’Arnaud now heads into free agency. This opens up a series of questions for the Braves 2025 roster. Adding to the shakeup, reliever Luke Jackson was also cut loose, though his departure feels a bit more expected.
Let’s look at the d’Arnaud decision first as this is the one turning the most heads. Given his performance in 2024, it’s surprising to see the Braves move on from a player who effectively stepped up as the team’s primary catcher.
Travis d’Arnaud shouldered the load due to injuries and a bit of a slump for Sean Murphy. He delivered consistent offense and a reliable glove behind the plate. While not his strongest statistical season in Atlanta, he remained an offensively and defensively productive presence. He provided a stability that most teams look for in their catchers.
Yet, the Braves front office may be looking beyond his 2024 numbers, potentially projecting d’Arnaud to decline in the coming year, especially as he turns 36 in 2025. It’s worth noting that past seasons show mixed outcomes, with a lower wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus) in 2021 and 2023, possibly fueling concerns about maintaining his recent level of play.
But it’s not all about what d’Arnaud might or might not do. The Braves are also eyeing the future, and their top-catching prospect. Drake Baldwin could be a big part of that picture. Baldwin’s 2024 season in Triple-A was nothing short of impressive. He’s now on the brink of stepping into the big leagues. Given Baldwin’s solid stats and apparent readiness, it’s clear the Braves are preparing for the long term. They are potentially giving Baldwin a shot at the big-league level as a secondary option behind Murphy in 2025.
On the other hand, Luke Jackson’s release feels less shocking. His 2024 season was a bit of a roller coaster, showing some struggles on the mound with both the Braves and the Giants. His ERA- and FIP- metrics tell the story of a reliever who just couldn’t find his rhythm this season. So, the Braves’ decision to part ways doesn’t exactly come out of left field.
For d’Arnaud, this new chapter could mean putting on a different uniform for the first time since joining Atlanta in 2019. He’ll undoubtedly have suitors on the open market looking for an experienced backstop who can still contribute. And while the Braves could technically bring him back via free agency, this shift signals that the organization might just be ready to turn the page.
So, what’s next for the Braves’ catching corps? Spring training will be the first test, where Baldwin will likely have a chance to show he can be a solid backup behind Murphy. But fans will be watching closely to see where d’Arnaud and Jackson land—and whether Atlanta’s new direction can get the team on top for 2025.
