Braves Decline Travis d'Arnaud's Contract Option

The Atlanta Braves have opted not to exercise their $8 million option on veteran catcher Travis d'Arnaud for 2025, making him an unrestricted free agent. Despite his solid performance in 2024, including a .736 OPS, the Braves are focused on shedding payroll and addressing more pressing roster needs. They may consider re-signing d'Arnaud on a more affordable contract, contingent on their offseason strategy. d'Arnaud's departure raises concerns about the team's catching depth, especially as they rely on Sean Murphy and top prospect Drake Baldwin moving forward. Several teams, including the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees, are expected to pursue d'Arnaud as they seek to bolster their rosters. The Braves' decision reflects a broader trend of prioritizing youth and financial flexibility as they prepare for potential acquisitions this offseason.