Braves News: Atlanta signs veteran catcher and bring back reliever for added depth

The beginning of a season doesn’t normally call for a ton of transactions around the baseball world. However, the Braves have been one of the more active teams early on due to an injury to their primary catcher.

When Sean Murphy landed on the IL with an oblique injury, Travis d’Arnaud assumed the starting role responsibilities. Chadwick Tromp was recalled from Gwinnett to serve as d’Arnaud’s backup.

Now the Braves have added a veteran catcher to serve as insurance down in Triple-A. On top of that the Braves brought back a right handed pitcher to add to their organizational bullpen depth.

Braves sign veteran catcher Sandy Leon

The now 13-year veteran last played for the world champion Texas Rangers last season. He appeared in just 21 games and slashed .146/.186/.195 in 2023. Leon will most certainly remain in Gwinnett unless there is an injury to d’Arnaud or Tromp before Murphy makes it back from the IL.

Leon is a well traveled catcher who has spent time in the NL East with the Washington Nationals, and Miami Marlins. He has 31 careeer homers and a career batting average just over the Mendoza line. His current career bWAR is 0.8, so even if Leon is pressed into Major League action don’t expect a ton of production.

Jackson Stephens brought back on minor league deal

Among other news, Atlanta reunited with a well-liked long reliever from the past couple years. Stephens was recently let go to make room for Jesse Chavez just before the season began. Stephens is now listed on Gwinnett’s roster and will add to the impressive crop of relievers the Braves have waiting down in Triple-A.

Stephens pitched 12 innings last year, and had a 3.00 ERA AND 3.76 FIP. Stephens has been yo-yo’d in and out the organization recently, but he remains a well respected member of the clubhouse.