What Braves fans should expect from d’Arnaud in 2021
If I’m projecting d’Aranud for this season and what I’m expecting from him, it’s an average between .260-.270 with 18-22 home runs, 115-120 games played, an OPS between .770-.790, and 2-2.5 WAR.
That would make him a top 10 catcher overall in baseball, and probably top six offensively.
I think most Braves fans would certainly be happy with that considering we’re paying him just $8 million for the season.
Thinking pessimistically for a moment, what gives me the most concerns about TDA is that he’s never been able to carry the load of a primary catcher and stay healthy over a full season.
We even saw in the postseason last year that it looked like TDA was starting to tire after playing every day in the playoffs with no off days.
I worry if he can hold up and play 120 games.
In the past, the Braves have pretty much split the catching duties up 50/50. In 2019 they did this perfectly with Flowers and McCann both playing in 85 games. The season before that Suzuki was much better at the plate than Flowers and thus played in 105 games to just 82 for Flowers.
Last year TDA doubled the number of games Flowers played in. I’m not sure if he can do that over a 162-game schedule.
Plus, the Braves will need him fresh for the postseason, so Brian Snitker may have to manage his workload a bit.
But when healthy, rested, and in the lineup, I still think TDA can be one of the best offensive catchers in the game.
If you’re drafting him for fantasy purposes, I think he’d be a great pick. Just keep in mind, his workload might be limited throughout the year.
What are your expectations for TDA with the Braves in 2021? Let us know in the comments below. And be on the lookout for more player previews coming in the month of January.