ANAHEIM, California — Catcher Travis d’Arnaud has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a two-year contract valued at $12 million, positioning him as a veteran backup for the team’s primary catcher, Logan O’Hoppe.
The Angels made this announcement Tuesday, marking it as their third significant addition during the offseason.
A native of Long Beach, d’Arnaud brings 12 years of major league experience, having spent the last five with the Atlanta Braves. In the previous season, he played 99 games, recording a batting average of .238 with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs. Although the Braves offered him an $8 million salary for this year, they opted not to follow through with an option for 2025,
Now approaching 36, d’Arnaud is expected to serve as both a mentor and a backup for 24-year-old O’Hoppe, who is seen as a key part of the Angels’ youth movement. O’Hoppe had a solid season, playing 136 games and batting .244, alongside 20 home runs and 56 RBIs. D’Arnaud’s presence is anticipated to provide O’Hoppe with valuable rest opportunities, especially in matchups against left-handed pitching.
“Travis stood out to us not just for his high level of play but also for his character,” said Angels general manager Perry Minasian. “His experience with winning teams gives him insight into what it takes to succeed. He positively influences the locker room, interacts well with young pitchers, and is a tremendous asset to our coaching staff and manager. Plus, he’s a local product who lives just 25 minutes away.”
D’Arnaud, who was part of the Braves’ World Series-winning team in 2021 and earned an All-Star selection in 2022, began his major league career with the New York Mets and had brief tenures with both the Dodgers and Tampa Bay in 2019.
Additionally, d’Arnaud shares a good rapport with Angels manager Ron Washington, given Washington’s previous coaching role with the Braves.
In a bustling offseason, the Angels also traded for slugger Jorge Soler from Atlanta and brought in veteran relief pitcher Kyle Hendricks. Minasian’s connections run deep, having worked with Braves executive Alex Anthopoulos during his time in Toronto and Atlanta.
The Angels, coming off a challenging season that saw them suffer 99 losses—the worst in franchise history—are looking to revive their fortunes.
In light of this new contract, right-hander Guillo Zuñiga has been designated for assignment. Minasian clarified that bringing in d’Arnaud does not automatically indicate the team will part ways with Matt Thaiss, who has filled in as a backup catcher and played multiple positions since being drafted first overall in 2016.
Moreover, Sal Fasano is joining the coaching staff as an assistant pitching coach. The former major league catcher—who participated in the Angels’ 2002 World Series championship run—has spent the last eight years helping develop catchers on the Braves’ coaching staff.