Travis d'Arnaud Signs Free Agent Contract With AL Team

Travis d'Arnaud went to the free agent market this winter coming off five seasons with the Atlanta Braves. He has quickly found himself a new home, signing a two-year, $12 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels.

Power-hitting catcher Travis d’Arnaud doesn’t stay on the market long as the Los Angeles Angels add to their payroll as promised, signing him to 2-year, $12 million deal after Atlanta doesn’t pick up his $8 million option. Angels officially announce the deal
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 12, 2024

The Braves declined their $8 million team option on the veteran backstop, and the 36-year-old picks up a higher total dollar amount, though lower AAV on his new deal with the Angels.

And in a package deal of some kind, d’Arnaud’s catching instructor with the Braves, Sal Fasano, is also joining him in Orange County with the Angels as an assistant pitching coach, as reported by insider Bob Nightengale.

As for young masher Logan O'Hoppe, he will remain the Angels' starting catcher and their long-term future at the position, but d'Arnaud can certainly bring some veteran leadership, and add some more power as the backup. d'Arnaud will not start 89 games behind the plate as he did in 2024, but could perhaps serve as a DH as well to get his plate appearances up.

Last season, d'Arnaud popped 15 homers in 300 at-bats, while O'Hoppe hit 20 long balls in his 479 ABs.