Braves predicted to part ways with $18M All-Star, Gold Glove winner, World Series Champion originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Right before Spring Training began, the Atlanta Braves made the decision to sign Jonah Heim as a backup catcher to Drake Baldwin. The move added much-needed experience and brought in a World Series champion.
“The Atlanta Braves added catching depth while awaiting the return of Sean Murphy by signing former Texas Rangers All-Star Jonah Heim to a one-year, $1.25 million deal Tuesday. Heim was with the team for the first workout with pitchers and catchers. Heim, 30, was an All-Star and Gold Glove winner in 2023,” ESPN wrote.
The signing was intended to hold things down until Sean Murphy returned from the injury he sustained last year. Murphy has been on a rehab assignment and appears to be nearing a return.
“Atlanta wants Murphy to catch back-to-back nine-inning games before it activates the veteran catcher for his season debut, though it's unclear exactly what the target date is for his return,” CBS Sports wrote.
With Murphy close to returning, it now feels as though Heim could be the odd man out on the roster.
“The final player in limbo is the club’s current backup catcher. Jonah Heim is a Major League-caliber option in a reserve role, but the challenge lies in Atlanta’s depth at the position, as the Braves boast one of the strongest catching tandems in the league. After opening the season on the injured list, Murphy is nearing a return, with his rehab assignment already well underway. In theory, the Braves could choose to carry three catchers on the roster, but balancing playing time between Drake Baldwin and Murphy will already present a significant challenge. This is why it's hard to picture Heim remaining on the roster once Murphy returns,” HTHB’s Chase Owens wrote.
There has been some discussion about the Braves carrying three catchers, but that scenario appears unlikely. Heim had a strong 2023 season, earning multiple accolades.
However, he has struggled to find consistent footing since then. Heim has earned $18 million throughout his career to this point, and the Braves will soon have a difficult decision to make regarding his future.