The Los Angeles Angels seem to be channeling Atlanta’s energy in a big way, and the pipeline from the Braves to Anaheim keeps on flowing. While the baseball world is no stranger to off-season player movements, this recent trend stands out for its sheer volume. It isn’t just a one-player relocation, like Freddie Freeman’s highly publicized move to the Dodgers back in 2022.
No, the Angels are stacking up a roster of former Braves, creating an “Atlanta West” situation in sunny California this time. So far, the Angels have secured three big names from the Braves’ 2024 lineup—Travis d’Arnaud, Jorge Soler, and even catching coach Sal Fasano. Here’s a closer look at the new-look Atlanta Braves of Anaheim.
Travis d’Arnaud: The New Backstop
Catcher Travis d’Arnaud is one of the most recent Braves to put on an Angels cap. After the Braves decided not to pick up his $8 million club option for 2025, the Angels saw their opportunity and signed d’Arnaud to a two-year deal worth $12 million. This marks the end of d’Arnaud’s memorable five-year tenure in Atlanta, where he played 384 games, posted a .251 batting average, hit 60 home runs, and notched 207 RBIs.
For Braves fans, he was a consistent and clutch presence at the plate and behind it, offering reliability and experience. The move to California isn’t completely uncharted territory for d’Arnaud either—he had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it stint with the Dodgers in 2019 before a more extended time with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Jorge Soler: The Power Bat Moves West
Next up is Jorge Soler, who might be one of the more bittersweet departures for Braves fans. Soler, a crucial rental in Atlanta’s 2021 World Series-winning campaign and Series MVP, briefly returned to the Braves in 2024. His numbers were undeniably impressive, boasting an OPS of .868 and an OPS+ of 135—the best in his career so far.
However, after a quick exit from the Wild Card series this year, the Braves sent him and his contract westward in exchange for pitcher Griffin Canning. The Angels are undoubtedly thrilled to add Soler’s power bat to their lineup, and they hope he can bring some of that 2021 magic and consistent performance to a team struggling with injuries and inconsistency. Time will tell if Soler’s bat blossomed in Atlanta and if it can bring the same firepower to Anaheim.
Sal Fasano: The Coach Joins the Migration
But the Angels aren’t just raiding Atlanta’s roster; they’re also tapping into the coaching staff. Sal Fasano, who served as the Braves catching coach under manager Brian Snitker since 2018, is also joining the Angels. However, instead of reprising his role with catchers, Fasano is moving to the pitching side as Anaheim’s new assistant pitching coach.
It’s a shift in responsibility, yet Fasano’s experience with a winning team like the Braves could provide the fresh insight needed in Anaheim. He may not be catching d’Arnaud’s pitches directly, but his familiarity with the catcher could add an extra layer of cohesion to the coaching staff.
With these additions, the Angels seem to be leaning into a strategy of experience and familiarity, banking on the proven success of players and coaches with Braves backgrounds. And the offseason isn’t over yet, so there’s still room for more moves.
For Braves fans, watching familiar faces in Angels jerseys may be bittersweet, but there’s also a certain intrigue in seeing what these former Braves might accomplish on the West Coast. For the Angels, who are in search of their first postseason success in years, these new arrivals could be the catalyst they need.
