Mar 25, 2024; North Port, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud (16) runs out onto the field as the game starts against the Minnesota Twins at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

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Angels sign veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud to 2-year, $12M deal

Natasha Bose

Last updated: November 13, 2024 - 2 min read

New faces from Atlanta join the Angels, as d’Arnaud signs on

Travis d’Arnaud is moving west.

The former Mets catcher has officially joined the Los Angeles Angels, becoming one of the early free agents to find a new team this offseason. He agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract on Tuesday.

OFFICIAL: The Angels have agreed to a two-year contract with C Travis d’Arnaud. pic.twitter.com/V1VFyyGxaK
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) November 12, 2024

At 36, d’Arnaud entered free agency after the Braves decided not to pick up his one-year, $8 million option for the 2025 season.

In 2024, d’Arnaud hit .238/.302/.436 with 15 home runs across 341 plate appearances while sharing catching duties with Sean Murphy.

A California native with a storied journey

D’Arnaud, who grew up in Long Beach, Calif., was a first-round pick out of Lakewood High School by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2007.

Super appreciative that Travis d’Arnaud was an Atlanta Brave.

See you down the road, TDA!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/a0gLMiYNA4
— Leslie Mines (@LeslieMinesIII) November 12, 2024

He was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays a few years later, then joined the New York Mets in a blockbuster deal with Noah Syndergaard for R.A. Dickey in December 2012. D’Arnaud made his MLB debut in 2013.

This move brings d’Arnaud back in touch with Perry Minasian, who was part of the Blue Jays’ front office when d’Arnaud arrived and was later with Atlanta when the Braves signed him.

Potential changes for Matt Thaiss and coaching updates

The trade also raises questions about Matt Thaiss, the Angels’ backup catcher for the past two seasons. A first-round pick in 2016, Thaiss, now 29, posted a .622 OPS over 57 games this year.

Minasian hinted that Thaiss might shift to a different position, or the Angels might consider carrying three catchers. But it seems more likely that Thaiss could be on the trading block.

Additionally, the Angels have hired Sal Fasano, d’Arnaud’s former catching coach in Atlanta, as an assistant pitching coach.

The Angels have signed Travis d’Arnaud to a 2 year $12m contract today. A bit of a surprise to myself as I thought the Angels had a solid backup in Matt Thaiss, but I do understand why they went after d’Arnaud.

d’Arnaud has a veteran presence, offensive upside (more than Thaiss)… pic.twitter.com/Fy7EVphGuV
— The Baseball Bro (@the_baseballbro) November 13, 2024

Fasano’s new role as a pitching coach comes as no surprise to those who saw his involvement with Atlanta’s pitchers, often talking with them between innings to share observations on opposing hitters.

These latest moves reflect the Angels’ strategy of integrating more former Braves personnel into their team. Recent hires and acquisitions from the Braves include manager Ron Washington, third base coach Eric Young Sr., infield coach Ryan Goins, head athletic trainer Mike Frosted, and DH Jorge Soler.

Image: © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Travis d’Arnaud

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you've probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
Got into sports media the same way most people do: by (fortunate) accident. Started with SEO writing, took on a few sports gigs, and now here we are! I cover games, trades, player drama—whatever needs words.
Favorite part? The chaos. One day it's a blockbuster trade, the next it's a goat running onto the field. Never boring.
Message to readers: If you want deep analysis, there are people for that. If you want sharp, no-BS writing that actually makes sense, stick around.