The Atlanta Braves’ catching situation in 2025 hasn’t gone exactly to plan. After losing veteran Travis d’Arnaud in free agency, the team leaned heavily on Sean Murphy to handle primary duties behind the plate. But Murphy’s early-season rib injury created an unexpected opportunity for Drake Baldwin, who has since earned a significant role in what’s become a timeshare. That left little room for veteran James McCann, who was signed in March as injury insurance.
McCann, once one of the better-hitting catchers in the league (especially in 2020), has seen his production and opportunities decline in recent years. With Baldwin holding his own and Murphy now healthy, McCann was left waiting for a shot that never came.
That chance arrived Sunday, when the Braves released McCann, allowing him to sign a major league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. As reported by Ken Rosenthal, McCann’s minor-league contract included a rolling opt-out, which forced the Braves to either promote him or let him go if another team came calling with a big-league offer. That team ended up being Arizona, who just lost Gold Glove catcher Gabriel Moreno to injury.
While Atlanta loses some veteran depth, it’s not a major blow—unless injuries hit Baldwin or Murphy again. For now, the Braves remain fully committed to their Baldwin-Murphy duo, which has been effective so far, though Murphy’s recent struggles at the plate could eventually shift the balance in playing time.
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