Atlanta Braves fans were hit with a wave of mixed emotions as news broke that Travis d’Arnaud. He is a beloved figure both on and off the field, but he will not be rocking the Braves’ uniform in 2025. Instead, the veteran catcher is heading to the West Coast, where he has signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels. The news solidified on Tuesday, and while it’s a logical move for the Braves organization, it doesn’t make saying goodbye any easier.
D’Arnaud made his mark on Braves Country for five years, becoming a core presence in the dugout and a leader behind the plate. During his time with Atlanta, he showcased his catching prowess and provided fans and teammates alike with a humble, optimistic spirit. His ability to connect with others turned him into a clubhouse anchor, so this departure stings even more.
In an Instagram post just moments before the official announcement, d’Arnaud bid farewell to Braves fans with a heartfelt video montage of his journey with the team. “I feel like I was not only part of the team but part of the city,” he shared. “Thank you to all the fans, the coaches, the staff, and most importantly, the players. I made a lot of lifelong friendships and hope for nothing but the best always.” This message of gratitude was quickly met with an outpouring of love and support from fans who have cherished his presence since day one.
Travis d’Arnaud wasn’t just a player in the lineup but a community favorite. His love for Braves fans was evident every time he took part in fan fests, community events, and autograph signings. For fans, seeing him move on is undeniably tough—a reminder that baseball is not just about stats and contracts; it’s about the connections formed along the way.
The Braves clubhouse will undoubtedly feel different without d’Arnaud’s energy. Third baseman Austin Riley has often sung d’Arnaud’s praises, describing him as the kind of teammate who keeps morale high regardless of the scoreboard.
“I know I’ve learned a lot from him,” Riley remarked after d’Arnaud celebrated his ten-year MLB milestone in 2023. “He’s never too high. I’ve never seen him in a bad mood or anything.” d’Arnaud’s unwavering positivity and commitment to building camaraderie resonated throughout the team.
Reflecting on his approach, d’Arnaud explained, “The thing I try to do every day is keep everybody tight because, at some point, someone or something’s going to try to tear us apart. But if our bond’s tight, we should be good.” That unity he fostered won’t be easy to replace, especially as the Braves enter another season with high hopes and fresh faces.
Interestingly, d’Arnaud won’t be completely alone in Anaheim. Former Braves coach Sal Fasano, known for his own laid-back but focused style, is joining the Angels as an assistant pitching coach. Fasano, who admired d’Arnaud’s thoughtful, steady approach, commented on the catcher’s unique ability to connect with players.
“People always look at catchers like we should be middle linebackers, screaming rah-rah, all that kind of stuff. But you know me long enough where I’m not like that, either.” Fasano’s presence in Anaheim may help d’Arnaud acclimate to his new environment, and Braves fans can take comfort in knowing he’ll have a familiar face nearby.
Financially, the Braves’ decision to move on from d’Arnaud makes sense; paying $8 million for a backup catcher is steep, especially with other roster needs. But financially prudent choices don’t fill the void left by a leader like d’Arnaud. Players with a mix of skill, emotional intelligence, and commitment to team spirit are rare in Major League Baseball, and his absence will be felt in ways that stats alone cannot measure.
As d’Arnaud begins this new chapter with the Angels, Braves fans are left with memories of a player who gave them great moments on the field and a sense of unity and community. For Atlanta, it’s a reminder that a player’s impact goes beyond the game, and filling those shoes is never as simple as moving a few numbers around on a payroll.
