The Atlanta Braves have shuffled through a number of catchers this season, with Jonah Heim, Chadwick Tromp, Austin Wynns, Sandy Leon, Joey Bart, and Sean Murphy all spending time catching for the Braves. Whether due to injuries or offensive failures, each of these options has underwhelmed and left Drake Baldwin as the only clear starting option at the position. With this in mind, it doesn't come as a surprise that the Braves are exploring a surprise option.
Shortstop Kyle Farmer has been on the shelf for much of the season, and when healthy, has been riding the bench. Still, the veteran made a solid offensive impact in limited chances, finishing with four hits in 14 at-bats thus far in the 2026 season. This explains why the Braves are thinking outside the box and using Farmer's rehab assignment as a chance to see if Farmer can catch.
This isn't completely out of left field, as the infielder was drafted as a catcher and spent time in the past at the position. Still, we are years removed from Farmer being considered an option, making it clear that this is a desperation shot by a franchise throwing answers at the wall.
Braves Desperation at Catcher Evidenced by Surprising Kyle Farmer Move
June hasn't been kind to the Braves, as it seems everything is falling apart after two months of near perfection. This is a part of the regular season ebbs and flows with Farmer's move to catcher being an obvious attempt to help offset the consistent losing. The hope is that Farmer can step into the lineup at the position and give the team solid offense, and allow Baldwin to stay fresh as a DH option.
This has been complicated by the presence of Dominic Smith and Rowdy Tellez, who both offer consistent offense but aren't capable defenders. Still, Farmer is an exciting wrinkle that makes sense as a potential catching option.
If Farmer can play defense at a capable level there is every reason to embrace the move and hope it sparks production from the bottom of the lineup. With Murphy on the shelf for an extended time and none of the team's current answers working, there is nothing to be lost.
It is an undeniable gamble that makes sense for Atlanta and would hand the team a fun wrinkle as it continues to attempt to solve the obvious conundrum. For Farmer, it is a path into the starting lineup and a chance to breathe life back into his career.
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