Mon Nov 04 23:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Braves Decline d’Arnaud’s Option, Leaving Him a Hot Commodity in Free Agency
**Atlanta, GA** – The Atlanta Braves have made a surprising decision, declining to exercise the $8 million option for catcher Travis d’Arnaud. While the team hasn’t ruled out re-signing the veteran, the move leaves him as one of the most sought-after catchers in this year’s free agent market.
The news came as a surprise after Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos indicated that all four players with options were likely to return. It was later clarified that this statement didn’t include reliever Luke Jackson, whose $7 million option was also declined.
d’Arnaud, who has been a clubhouse leader since joining the Braves in 2020, has been a reliable presence behind the plate. He hit .238 with 15 home runs this past season, stepping up as the team’s primary catcher during Sean Murphy’s early-season injury.
The Braves are looking to create payroll flexibility for 2025, as several key players’ salaries are set to rise. This move may be a factor in their decision to decline d’Arnaud’s option.
While the team has young players like Chadwick Tromp and Drake Baldwin, who could potentially fill the backup catcher role, Anthopoulos emphasized the value of experience at the position.
The Braves will be hoping for a rebound from Murphy, who struggled after his strong first half of the season. The team also retained Marcell Ozuna, picking up his $16 million option for 2024, and signed reliever Aaron Bummer to a new two-year, $13 million deal.
The Braves’ lineup is expected to remain strong, with Ozuna continuing to be a major offensive force. The team will have to find a solution for the catching situation, and d’Arnaud’s availability on the free agent market will surely attract plenty of interest.
First Piper 