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.
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.
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.
About The Author
