The Atlanta Braves had long been expected to find a way to keep rookie catcher Drake Baldwin in the lineup.
It isn't exactly a hot take to expect the franchise to keep one of its best hitters playing every day. This situation sorted itself out with Marcell Ozuna imploding and setting the stage for the Braves to consistently put Baldwin and Sean Murphy in the same lineup. Alternating the two players between catcher and designated hitter was the move fans had long been begging the team to make. However, it did present two interesting stories, with the first being the demotion of Ozuna to the bench.
Atlanta's second concern from the move is the lack of depth at the catcher position. The Braves finally addressed this need by promoting Sandy Leon from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, which came at the cost of another veteran's roster spot. With Leon being promoted, outfielder Stuart Fairchild has been designated for assignment.
The #Braves today selected C Sandy León to the major league roster, and designated OF Stuart Fairchild for assignment.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 21, 2025
Braves Designate OF Stuart Fairchild for Assignment
Having Fairchild, Luke Williams, and Eli White on the same bench never made any level of sense. The trio's limited upside demanded that the team consider making a change, and they finally pulled the trigger on the move.
Fairchild struggled after being acquired by the Braves from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash back in March. He only slashed .216/.273/.333 with two RBIs and four walks in 28 games (51 at-bats), while his minus-0.3 defensive WAR is a new career low, further highlighting his struggles on both sides of the ball.
Fairchild being designated for assignment likely turns the page on a player who has limited upside. The outfielder simply doesn't offer enough offensive production to justify continuing to plug him into the lineup or to hold a bench spot. With Jurickson Profar's return, the Braves will consistently have the same three starting options. Keeping White on the bench is more than enough security and gives the team the chance to make the move.
There is some speculation about whether adding Leon to the active roster opens the door for a Murphy trade. However, it could be as simple as the Braves not wanting both of its catchers in a starting lineup without a third option.
As for Fairchild, it'll be interesting to see what happens to him next. If he isn't traded or waived, the 29-year-old OF can elect free agency to find a new home.
Having said that, moving on from Fairchild was the right decision for the Braves, even if it came later than fans wanted.