Angels land former All-Star catcher in free agency

The Los Angeles Angels are adding [deep breath in] another 30-something to their roster.

The Angels announced Tuesday that they have signed veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud to a two-year deal. Jeff Passan of ESPN adds that the D’Arnaud’s deal is worth $12M.

D’Arnaud, who turns 36 in February, was a 2022 All-Star selection who was the starting catcher on the Atlanta Braves’ 2021 World Series team. He also won a Silver Slugger Award in 2020 and hit .238 with with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs in 99 games for the Braves last season.

The righty-hitting d’Arnaud definitely is not a bad get at that price point. But the Angels already have 24-year-old catching phenom Logan O’Hoppe at the position, so d’Arnaud will be more of a depth addition. 

After their 63-99 season in 2024, the Angels are continuing on their trend of signing aging veterans in their mid-30s who may not move the needle much.