The Los Angeles Angels have been the most active team in Major League Baseball’s offseason thus far, and their movements have been heavily influenced by the Atlanta Braves.
The day after the 2024 World Series, the Angels acquired 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 acquired an experienced starting pitcher from the Chicago Cubs.
Now, the Angels have added a long-time Braves fan favorite who was already on his way out after Atlanta’s decision last week.
Travis d’Arnaud, 35, had his $8 million club option declined on November 4, allowing him to sign elsewhere. The 5-year Brave and 2022
All-Star had some great moments in an Atlanta uniform, including a walk-off home run against the Kansas City Royals in late September, but his time at Truist Park has come to an end. On Tuesday, d’Arnaud signed a two-year, $12 million contract to join the Angels. The contract was first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The Braves’ decision to allow d’Arnaud to formally go elsewhere almost ensures that top prospect Drake Baldwin will make the big league squad in 2025, while 2023 All-Star Sean Murphy will continue to start.
Baldwin, 23, had a terrific offensive season, batting.298 with an.891 OPS in 72 games for Triple-A Gwinnett. He is regarded as a strong receiver and thrower with above-average power for
A young catcher.
From the Angels’ perspective, d’Arnaud should mostly serve as an experienced coach and insurance policy 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 may also be a good bat against lefties off the bench or in a designated hitter role. All good things must come to an end, and d’Arnaud will undoubtedly be warmly remembered for his time in Atlanta. For the time being, however, the 12-year veteran will try to keep his big-league ambitions alive in Orange County.
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