Atlanta Braves fans have been speculating whether or not the team would bring back catcher Travis d'Arnaud for the 2025 season. The front office gave everyone a bit of a hint when they declined d'Arnaud's $8 million club option last week.
However, many speculated that the team may try to add the beloved catcher on a smaller deal. Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed as d'Arnaud made an emotional post on IG thanking the Braves for his time with the organization. Shortly after, it was announced that TDA signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
d'Arnaud is a California native from Long Beach and will get an opportunity to join a team that hopes for better results next season. One thing's for sure: the Angels are getting one of the best teammates anyone could ask for. He will also be reunited with former Braves coaches Ron Washington and Eric Young Sr.
Travis spent five seasons in Atlanta beginning in 2020 and was integral to the team's winning ways from the start. During those five years, he carried a slash line of .251/.312/.443 with 76 doubles, one triple, 60 home runs, 207 RBI, and a .755 OPS.
TDA was lauded as a consummate professional and a dependable leader by his Atlanta teammates. His final season in Atlanta wasn't the best with a .238 average including 15 homers and 48 RBI. However, he provided some clutch moments when they were needed.
He provided fans with memorable moments during that time, making this news incredibly bittersweet. The most recent moment that comes to mind is his final home run with the Braves. He launched a walk-off homer against the Royals to keep Atlanta's postseason hopes alive, sendingTruist Park into an absolute frenzy.
If he doesn’t return, this is the last HR for Travis d’Arnaud in a Braves uniform.
— Beaneater Buzz (@BeaneaterB) November 4, 2024
pic.twitter.com/W4Fy2y7jlv
And who could forget when Travis d'Arnaud provided the baseball world with one of the most Oscar-worthy moments you'll ever see? Dee Strange-Gordon, who was with the Nationals then, pitched in a 14-3 blowout by the Braves and hit TDA with a pitch.
Travis went down in a heap, giving fans one of the funniest moments of the 2022 season. That moment sums up everything fans need to know about d'Arnaud. He enjoys playing the game of baseball and knows how to keep things fun for everyone.
It's hard to see him go, but fans will certainly never forget his time in Atlanta and how much he enjoyed beating the New York Mets. Good luck in Anaheim, TDA!