Angels Add Veteran Catcher Travis d'Arnaud with a 2-Year Deal to Strengthen 2025 Roster

The Los Angeles Angels continue to make proactive roster moves this offseason, signing experienced catcher Travis d'Arnaud to a two-year, $12 million contract. This addition is part of the Angels' strategy to add depth and leadership to a team that struggled with a 63-99 record last season. Following Atlanta’s decision not to renew d'Arnaud’s option, the Angels quickly secured the 12-year veteran, who will bring solid defensive skills and experience to their lineup.

(Travis d’Arnaud)

d'Arnaud’s addition is strategic as the Angels look to reinforce their pitching staff and defensive play. Known for his above-average pitch-framing and rapport with pitchers, d’Arnaud’s expertise is expected to help address the team’s pitching struggles from last season, where Angels’ pitchers held one of the highest walk rates in the league. His work with pitching staffs has been praised in previous seasons, and Angels GM Perry Minasian is optimistic that d’Arnaud’s veteran presence will positively impact LA's bullpen stability.

In addition to d'Arnaud, the Angels recently added designated hitter Jorge Soler and right-hander Kyle Hendricks, signaling a serious push toward building a balanced and competitive roster for 2025. With established stars like Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon at the core, Los Angeles also aims to develop its promising younger players, including Logan O'Hoppe, Zach Neto, and Nolan Schanuel, in hopes of long-term success.

A 2020 Silver Slugger and 2022 All-Star, d’Arnaud has spent the last five seasons with the Atlanta Braves, helping them secure the 2021 World Series title. Across his career with the Mets, Dodgers, Rays, and Braves, he has posted a .248 batting average with 123 home runs and has caught over 20% of baserunners. With former Braves coach Ron Washington now managing the Angels, d'Arnaud’s familiarity with the new leadership and his wealth of experience may provide the stability LA needs behind the plate.

d'Arnaud’s arrival may impact Matt Thaiss, who had served as the Angels' backup catcher for the last two seasons. Thaiss, a former first-round pick, has previously alternated between catcher and corner infield positions but now faces uncertainty regarding his future role.

The Angels’ ongoing roster upgrades are part of a larger commitment to competing in 2025, as MLB’s anti-tanking rules disincentivize rebuilding.

By signing d'Arnaud and other seasoned players, the Angels are signaling their commitment to strengthening the team’s core around Trout and Rendon while remaining focused on developing their up-and-coming talent.