The Atlanta Braves' offseason decision-making at the catcher position looked shaky when the season started, with Sean Murphy suffering an injury. However, this would serve as an opportunity for the emergence of rookie Drake Baldwin. Now, two months into the season, it is foolish to question Atlanta's decision to move on from Travis d'Arnaud. What appeared to be an excellent decision now has aged even better by the fact that the veteran catcher is just now reaching the Mendoza line for the first time this season.
While the Angels' offense is far from prolific, they have offered d'Arnaud a far better chance than the numbers he has given the franchise. Even Atlanta was surprised by the emergence of Baldwin, with the team expecting Chadwick Tromp to fill the backup role. The lack of depth even caused the team to sign veteran James McCann to a minor league deal as a secondary option.
Braves Made the Right Decision Parting Ways with Travis d'Arnaud
Atlanta believed the team needed the security of having Tromp or McCann as the secondary option behind Sean Murphy. Baldwin has long been an exciting prospect, but wasn't expected to play a role until deeper into the 2025 season. Instead, Baldwin has made it impossible to keep the rookie out of the starting lineup. Things have been so impressive for the rookie that it is easy to question what the future looks like for veteran Sean Murphy.
While it is an offseason win for the Braves to move on from d'Arnaud, there is absolutely no celebration in the veteran's struggles. What the catcher meant to the organization has won the veteran fans, no matter what color uniform the veteran might be wearing now. There has even been some speculation that when d'Arnaud does decide to call it quits, the veteran could have a future on Atlanta's coaching staff.
Regardless, it is easy to see Atlanta made the right call pivoting to Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin. As fans remain obsessed with the painful departures of Freddie Freeman and Max Fried, it is nice to see the franchise on the right side of one of these decisions.
For d'Arnaud, things must improve, or the Angels are going to be forced to pivot. The veteran catcher has been a liability at the plate for the entire 2025 season. A much-needed hot streak needs to be around the corner for the veteran to solidify his job and continue what has been an impressive career.