The exciting emergence of Atlanta Braves rookie catcher Drake Baldwin has led to the franchise losing depth at the position. While it is a welcome loss considering how impactful Baldwin has been, it does leave a bit of a concern if injury strikes.
Veteran catcher James McCann just left the franchise, having earned a Major League opportunity with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Earlier in the offseason, the team jettisoned veteran backup Chadwick Tromp, who was expected to begin the season behind Sean Murphy. After it became clear Baldwin wasn't losing his roster spot, the team opted to move on from the depth piece.
Tromp landed with the Baltimore Orioles and is now being handed a chance at the next level.
Former Braves C Chadwick Tromp Handed Second Chance with Orioles
On Monday, the Orioles announced that they have selected Tromp's contract from Triple-A Norfolk.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/6qjMwal4NQ
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) June 23, 2025
Fellow Baltimore catcher Maverick Handley is dealing with a concussion and was placed on the injured list to set up Tromp's return to the next level. It is a welcome chance for a player who was expected to play a role at this level for most of the 2025 season.
Tromp, 30, started the year on Atlanta's roster as Murphy dealt with an injury, but didn't provide a reason for the team to retain his services once the latter was able to get healthy. Since joining the O's, the Aruba-born backstop has slashed .250/.330/.370 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 28 games with Norfolk.
If there is one team that has performed worse than the Braves when it comes to expectations versus reality, it is the Orioles. Baltimore's offense has been among the worst in the Majors, and. it isn't going to take a lot of positive production for Tromp to earn a chance to stick around for the rest of the 2025 season.
This is especially the case when you consider how likely the Orioles are to become sellers in the 2025 season. In the next month, it would be a surprise if Tromp doesn't continue to earn chances to win a backup role on the roster. For now, it is Handley's injury that has gifted the former Brave a chance to continue his career at the next level.
While Atlanta's 2025 misery continues, watching whether or not Tromp is able to take advantage of this chance is an interesting distraction in a lost season for both clubs.