The Los Angeles Angels signed free agent catcher Travis d’Arnaud, a Southern California native and a former All-Star, to a two-year contract worth $12 million.
D’Arnaud, who turns 36 in February, will ostensibly back up incumbent starter Logan O’Hoppe, and give the team the experienced backup backstop it lacked since Kurt Suzuki retired.
Last season with the Atlanta Braves, d’Arnaud slashed .238/.302/.436 in 99 games as the backup to Sean Murphy. Although he is past his days as an everyday starter, d’Arnaud was an All-Star just two years ago in Atlanta, and won a Silver Slugger award in the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
A 12-year veteran, d’Arnaud’s performance was crucial in the Braves’ success the last five seasons, including their World Series win in 2021.
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