It was not surprising to see the reports that the Atlanta Braves would exercise Marcell Ozuna's option for 2025. Ozuna was easily the Braves' offensive player in 2024 and it was basically a foregone conclusion that the Braves would bring him back. In some ways, there was similar confidence that Travis d'Arnaud's option would also be exercised by the team.
Amongst the options the Braves had yet to make decisions on, d'Arnaud's felt pretty straightforward. Not only was d'Arnaud's option relatively cheap at $8 million, but he was a leader in the Braves' clubhouse and provided a dose of pop at catcher when he played. Given Sean Murphy's struggles in 2024, TdA was a lifesaver in a lot of ways.
While it was widely expected that the Braves would decline Luke Jackson's option as he was a shadow of his former self, few expected that TdA would join him in free agency as it was announced that the Braves would be moving on from d'Arnaud as well.
The #Braves today exercised DH Marcell Ozuna’s option for the 2025 season, and declined options on RHP Luke Jackson and C Travis d’Arnaud. Additionally, the club reinstated OF Ronald Acuña Jr., LHP Ray Kerr, LHP Angel Perdomo, RHP Spencer Strider and RHP Huascar Ynoa from the…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 4, 2024
Braves decline Travis d'Arnaud's 2025 option and bring an end to an era
This move is obviously a bit confusing in a lot of ways. While d'Arnaud has had some injury issues (especially with concussions) and will be 36 when the 2025 season starts, he still posted a more than reasonable .736 OPS in 341 plate appearances in 2024. While his best years are definitely behind him, d'Arnaud was still pretty productive and a leader on the Braves roster.
However, context is important here. One, the Braves clearly are betting on Murphy to turn things around next season and they also have a hotshot catching prospect in Drake Baldwin who is pushing for playing time. Atlanta also seems to be clearing 2025 payroll for something after they already pulled the trigger on trading Jorge Soler as well as redoing Aaron Bummer and Reynaldo Lopez's contracts.
It is honestly sad to see TdA go. He had so many big moments with the Braves and the vibes were always high when he was around. Perhaps there is a chance Atlanta brings him back on a cheaper deal if their offseason machinations don't work out or if they lose faith in their other catching options. Wherever he ends up, Braves fans are (probably) going to be rooting hard for him.