The Los Angeles Angels made another aggressive move in free agency, announcing a two-year, $12 million deal with catcher Travis d’Arnaud on Tuesday.
After the Atlanta Braves declined to exercise a one-year, $8 million option on d’Arnaud last week, the Angels quickly offered him a multi-year contract. The 36-year-old will serve as the backup catcher to Logan O’Hoppe, the promising 24-year-old who impressed with 20 home runs last season and is considered a key player for the future.
With limited options at catcher on the market, d’Arnaud was one of the top available players at the position. In 2024, he posted a .238/.302/.436 slash line with 15 home runs in 341 plate appearances. The Angels are continuing to bolster their roster after a disappointing 63-99 record, adding veterans such as designated hitter Jorge Soler and right-handed starter Kyle Hendricks on a one-year, $2.5 million contract.
d’Arnaud’s addition strengthens a roster that lacked depth last season, contributing to a payroll nearing $170 million. Much of that payroll is tied to star players Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon, who will combine to make $75 million this year.
Angels general manager Perry Minasian praised d’Arnaud’s leadership and experience, citing his ability to positively impact the locker room and work with both young pitchers and coaching staffs. Minasian also highlighted d’Arnaud’s potential role in mentoring O’Hoppe, who is developing into a key player for the team.
The Angels’ push to compete in 2025 is tied to their efforts to build around a core of players, including Trout, O’Hoppe, shortstop Zach Neto, first baseman Nolan Schanuel, and pitcher Jose Soriano. Other key contributors for next year could include infielder Luis Rengifo, outfielder Taylor Ward, and left-handed starter Tyler Anderson.
A 12-year veteran, d’Arnaud spent the last five seasons with the Braves. Over his career, he has played 884 games and hit .248/.309/.426 with 123 home runs and 438 RBIs, having also spent time with the Mets, Dodgers, and Rays. d’Arnaud was a Silver Slugger in 2020 and an All-Star in 2022.
His addition also means that Matt Thaiss, who has played as a catcher and backup infielder for the Angels, may no longer have a clear role on the roster. Minasian did not confirm any plans to trade Thaiss.
Given the Angels’ high walk rate last season, Minasian believes d’Arnaud’s reputation as an above-average pitch framer and his experience in game planning will help address that issue. The Angels made room for d’Arnaud on the roster by designating right-hander Guillo Zuniga for assignment.