The veteran catcher played in 92 games for the Rays during the 2019 campaign where he slashed .263/.323/.459 with 16 long balls and 67 RBI. While they were unsuccessful in bringing him back, it shows that the Rays are looking to improve behind the plate. Expect them to continue to explore the free agent market and the trade front for upgrades at the position.

The deal is now official. It’s a decent landing spot for d’Arnaud, who launched 15 homers in 99 contests last year for the Braves. The 35-year-old veteran backstop, who hit free agency last week after Atlanta declined his $8 million club option for 2025, figures to serve as starter Logan O’Hoppe’s primary caddy in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, his official departure paves a clear path for top prospect Drake Baldwin, who has looked impressive recently in the Arizona Fall League, to potentially make Atlanta’s season-opening roster.

Atlanta declined d’Arnaud’s $8 million club option for 2024, and while the veteran catcher won’t get quite as much in 2025, he secures a multi-year deal with a (relatively) similar AAV. he hit .238/.302/.436 with 15 homers last year while spelling Sean Murphy and seeing time as the designated hitter. With Logan O’Hoppe behind the plate, Murphy will likely see a similar role with the Angels, and while his eligibility behind the plate makes him a decent option, he’s not joining a lineup that’s going to provide much chance for quality run production.

Considering Sean Murphy battled a wrist injury and put together a poor 2024 season, it’s surprising that the club would let d’Arnaud move on. However, the 25-year-old did hit just .238/.302/.436 with 15 home runs in 99 games, so perhaps the Braves feel that they can get that production elsewhere. There is still a chance the Braves could try to bring d’Arnaud back later in the offseason, but this could also be good news for Braves catching prospect Drake Baldwin, who is coming off a strong season and could be on the MLB roster next season.