Braves Loss: Star Player Bounces Back With $12M Angels Deals After Braves Release

The Los Angeles Angels have been the most active team so far in the Major League Baseball offseason, and their moves have had the Atlanta Braves’ fingerprints all over them.

The day after the 2024 World Series concluded, the Angels traded for Braves outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler, a home run threat who no longer fit the Braves’ needs in right field. Less than a week later, they added veteran starting pitcher from the Chicago Cubs.

Now, the Angels are adding a long-time Braves fan-favorite who already had his foot halfway out the door following Atlanta’s decision last week.

35-year-old Travis d’Arnaud had his $8 million club option declined on Nov. 4, clearing the way for him to sign somewhere else. The five-year Brave and 2022 All-Star had some memorable moments in an Atlanta uniform, including a walk-off home run in late September against the Kansas City Royals, but his run in Truist Park has come to an end.

On Tuesday, d’Arnaud agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract to join the Angels. The deal was first reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN.

The Braves letting d’Arnaud officially sign elsewhere all but confirms that top prospect Drake Baldwin will get a shot at the big-league roster sometime in 2025, while 2023 All-Star Sean Murphy still holds down the starting role.

Baldwin, 23, had a fantastic offensive season, batting .298 with an .891 OPS in 72 games at Triple-A Gwinnett. He’s viewed as a solid receiver and thrower with above-average power for a young catcher.

From the Angels’ perspective, the veteran d’Arnaud should mostly be used as a veteran mentor and insurance plan for 24-year-old Logan O’Hoppe, who had 20 home runs and 2.7 WAR in his first full season of action in 2024. d’Arnaud could also be a useful bat against lefties off the bench or in a designated hitter capacity.

All good things must come to an end, and d’Arnaud will certainly be remembered fondly for his time in Atlanta. But for now, the 12-year veteran will try to keep his big-league dreams alive at least a while longer in Orange County.