While the Atlanta Braves have continued to roll through the 2026 season, injury struggles from a season ago have continued to linger. Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin were both lost at catcher, forcing the franchise to add Sandy Leon and Chadwick Tromp to the big league roster. This obviously exhausted the team's depth at the position, causing the front office to bring in additional minor league depth.
Atlanta claimed Maverick Handley from the Baltimore Orioles and optioned the catcher to the Gwinnett Stripers. It is needed depth and presents a chance for Handley to get a needed reset. The backstop has only three hits in 42 career Major League at-bats, but has offered solid minor league production and is a wildcard option if the Braves struggle with their current options or have another injury strike.
Many fans might wonder about Jonah Heim, who spent the early portion of the 2026 season platooning with Baldwin. Heim was sent to the Athletics when Murphy returned, and it appeared Atlanta had more catcher depth than roster spots. The veteran offered a .231 average and was solid behind the plate, helping Atlanta's pitching staff get off to an incredibly hot start to the 2026 season.
While it would be nice to have the familiarity of Heim, there is no doubting a decision that appeared to be the right one with the information at hand. Atlanta has now pivoted and added Handley in hopes of finding a surprise option if forced into action.
Braves Continue to Add Catcher Depth as Frustrating Injuries Continue
It isn't out of the question that Handley could get a shot if he fares well with the Stripers. Leon has struggled offensively, collecting only a pair of hits in 15 at-bats, while Tromp has an incredibly small sample size, appearing at the plate only four times this season. The door might not be wide open for Handley to get playing time at the next level, but it is unquestionably ajar.
The bigger story here is an Atlanta front office on an undeniable heater, continually finding depth and surprise production. The contributions of Martin Perez, Jorge Mateo, and Dominic Smith stand out as examples of decision-makers who have set up Atlanta's incredible early-season run by continually bolstering the roster with surprise contributors.
Perhaps Handley will be the latest to make a surprise impact and offer the Braves a needed boost. No matter the answer, it is an undeniably solid depth signing and offers Atlanta a bit of stability if offensive struggles continue or another injury strikes.
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