Braves Travis d’Arnaud’s Final Free Agency Call is Official

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Travis d'Arnaud, Braves veteran catcher, has officially signed with the Los Angeles Angels on a two-year.
Travis d'Arnaud, Braves veteran catcher, has officially signed with the Los Angeles Angels on a two-year.

Travis d’Arnaud, the veteran catcher who helped anchor the Atlanta Braves both behind the plate and in the clubhouse, has officially signed with the Los Angeles Angels on a two-year, $12 million contract, signaling the end of his time with Atlanta.

This news, announced by the Angels on X (formerly Twitter), comes after d’Arnaud shared a heartfelt farewell message to Braves fans on Instagram, thanking the city, the organization, and especially his teammates for making Atlanta feel like home.

In his post, d’Arnaud reflected on his years with the Braves, writing, “Atlanta, thank you for everything. Ever since my brother played here, you have been amazing to me and my family. I feel like I was not only part of the team but part of the city.” This genuine sentiment underscores what d’Arnaud brought to Atlanta: a sense of dedication that went beyond stats. Fans cherished his presence, and the Braves organization benefited from his consistent performance and leadership.

Over five seasons with Atlanta, d’Arnaud was a steady contributor, posting a .251/.312/.443 line with 60 home runs and 207 RBIs across 384 games. His best season statistically came in 2022 when he made his first and only All-Star team, hitting .268 with an OPS of .791.

That year, he set a personal record with 18 home runs and drove in 60 runs, showing he could still be an offensive threat even late into his career. Braves fans will also remember his 2020 season, when he won a Silver Slugger award, proving himself as one of the top offensive catchers in the National League.

Atlanta initially held a club option on d’Arnaud for $8 million but declined it, making him a free agent. While there was hope the Braves might re-sign him at a lower rate, the Angels ultimately presented a deal that fit better. For the Braves, this means they’ll need to bolster their roster with another MLB-caliber catcher this offseason. With Sean Murphy expected to take over the primary catcher role, the team may be on the lookout for a veteran backup who can step in when needed.

This move marks the end of an era for d’Arnaud with Atlanta and gives the Angels a chance to benefit from his experience and veteran presence. At 34, he’s heading to a team that could use his playoff experience and leadership. The Angels are likely banking on d’Arnaud’s continued offensive contributions and his ability to guide their pitching staff as they aim to compete in the challenging AL West.

As Braves fans bid farewell to a familiar face, d’Arnaud leaves Atlanta with fond memories, friendships, and a World Series title—something he reminded fans of in his final farewell: “World Champs for life!” The next chapter awaits both d’Arnaud and the Braves, each carrying a bit of the other’s legacy into the 2024 season and beyond.

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