The Atlanta Braves just made a move to shore up their catching depth, signing veteran Curt Casali to a minor league deal.
Reported by Just Baseball Media’s Aram Leighton, this signing could provide the Braves with a solid backup option behind the plate as they gear up for the 2025 season.
Curt Casali: A Well-Traveled Veteran
Casali spent last season with the San Francisco Giants and is no stranger to bouncing around the league.
The Braves mark his 11th different organization in 14 professional seasons—a testament to the value teams see in his experience, even as his offensive and defensive skills show signs of decline.
Casali has suited up for the Giants, Rays, Reds, and Mariners at the MLB level, carving out a role as a dependable journeyman catcher.
The Braves’ Backup Catcher Options for 2025
Now 36, Casali brings a wealth of knowledge to the Braves’ clubhouse. While his career batting line of .218 with a .682 OPS won’t turn any heads, his ability to step in as a backup catcher and handle a pitching staff is where his value lies.
Last season, Casali struggled offensively, slashing just .194/.293/.250 over 125 plate appearances. On top of that, defensive metrics like framing, blocking, and throwing took a hit in 2024, leading to questions about how much gas he left in the tank.
With over a decade of big-league experience, Casali’s expertise could prove invaluable for Atlanta’s younger players and even the Braves’ established pitching staff.
While it’s unlikely he’ll take the backup job from Chadwick Tromp, who currently looks like the frontrunner to back up Sean Murphy, Casali could provide insurance if injuries or performance issues arise.
Can Casali’s Defense Hold Up?
The Braves have also added Sandy León to the mix, giving them even more options for the backup role. Meanwhile, top-catching prospect Drake Baldwin is waiting in the wings, expected to make his MLB debut sometime in 2025.
For now, though, Casali will need to prove in Spring Training that he still has enough left in the tank defensively to compete for a roster spot.
His glove work, once his calling card, will be under the microscope as the Braves evaluate whether his veteran savvy outweighs the wear and tear of a lengthy career.
With Atlanta declining an $8 million option on Travis d’Arnaud this offseason, the team is clearly looking for a cost-effective solution behind the plate.
Casali doesn’t bring the offensive punch of d’Arnaud, but at a fraction of the price, he could be a low-risk addition capable of handling part-time duties.
Whether he can fend off the competition and earn a role on Opening Day remains to be seen, but the Braves certainly seem content to let Spring Training determine the pecking order.
