The Atlanta Braves declined Travis d’Arnaud’s option and made him a free agent at the end of this season. Ron Washington, the former assistant coach of the Braves, is the manager of the Los Angeles Angels, whom d’Arnaud promptly signed.
The first season without Shohei Ohtani was difficult for the Washington Angels, but Mike Trout missed much of it due to injury, and they have some young players to work with. The kind of player who can foster camaraderie in the locker room is d’Arnaud. He has already sent good wishes to Logan O’Hoppe, the starting catcher for the Angels.
d’Arnaud was adored by everyone in Atlanta and is a leader in the clubhouse. Despite his own success behind the plate and at the plate, he remained unfazed when the Braves acquired Sean Murphy. d’Arnaud may be a terrific all-around catcher on a good club, but he had to accept his job with the Braves if he wanted to win and compete for a postseason spot.