Braves Get New Catcher Jonah Heim While Sean Murphy Heals

The Atlanta Braves have signed Jonah Heim to catch for them. He is a good player who has won a World Series. This helps the team while their main catcher, Sean Murphy, is getting better from surgery.
By Newsroom | Baseball, Atlanta |

The Atlanta Braves have added veteran catcher Jonah Heim to their roster on a one-year contract. This move comes as a strategic step to bolster the team's catching depth, particularly in light of Sean Murphy's current injury. Heim, a former All-Star and World Series champion with the Texas Rangers, joins the Braves as they prepare for spring training. The team is looking to ensure they have reliable options behind the plate while Murphy recovers from hip surgery.

Braves add catching depth by signing former Rangers All-Star Jonah Heim to 1-year deal - 1

Background and Player Profile

Jonah Heim's arrival in Atlanta marks a new chapter after his tenure with the Texas Rangers. He became a free agent after the Rangers opted not to tender him a contract in November, a move reportedly aimed at scaling back payroll.

Braves add catching depth by signing former Rangers All-Star Jonah Heim to 1-year deal - 2

  • Heim, who will be 31 in June, has accumulated over five years of major league service time.

  • During his six years with the Rangers organization, he posted a .225 batting average with 68 home runs and 282 RBIs.

  • He achieved double-digit home run totals in his last five major league seasons.

  • Heim is also a former All-Star and a World Series champion, with a history that includes winning a Gold Glove Award, indicating a strong defensive past.

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However, recent performance data suggests a potential shift.

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  • His "pop time" (the time it takes to throw from behind the plate to second base) has reportedly exceeded two seconds.

  • His average throwing velocity to second base saw a decrease from 81.1 mph in 2023 to 79.5 mph in 2025.

  • His defensive metrics also showed a decline, registering -4 fielding runs over a two-year span.

Team Context and Roster Implications

The Braves' decision to sign Heim is directly linked to the injury status of their primary catcher, Sean Murphy. Murphy underwent hip surgery at the end of last season and is beginning running exercises. His recovery timeline is not yet defined, creating an immediate need for additional catching support.

  • Currently, Drake Baldwin is the other catcher on Atlanta's 40-man roster. He is seen as a player with potential for future All-Star recognition.

  • The Braves also signed Martín Pérez to a minor league deal, though his role is focused on the pitching staff.

  • Heim's contract is for one year. Because he has more than five years of major league service, he cannot be sent to the minor leagues without his agreement once Murphy is ready to return.

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Spring training will offer Heim an opportunity to demonstrate his readiness and value. The move provides the Braves with roster flexibility as they approach the start of the regular season.

Analysis of the Signing

The addition of Jonah Heim serves a clear purpose: to provide depth and a proven veteran presence behind the plate during Sean Murphy's absence. While Heim's recent defensive statistics show a dip, his overall career accomplishments, including All-Star recognition and a Gold Glove, suggest a player who can still contribute.

  • The one-year deal is a low-risk move for the Braves, allowing them to assess Heim's performance and fit.

  • The team's prior roster composition, with only Baldwin and Murphy as catchers on the 40-man roster, made this acquisition a necessity.

  • Reports indicate that Heim began running on Tuesday, but he has not provided a specific timetable for his return to playing games.

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This signing addresses an immediate roster need, ensuring the team is prepared for the uncertainties of spring training and the early part of the season.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Braves sign Jonah Heim?
They needed another catcher because their main catcher, Sean Murphy, is hurt and having surgery.
Q: Is Jonah Heim a good player?
Yes, he has been an All-Star and won a World Series with the Texas Rangers.
Q: How long is Jonah Heim's contract?
He signed a one-year deal with the Braves.
Q: When will Sean Murphy be back?
His return date is not known yet because he is still getting better from his surgery.