The Atlanta Braves are the best team in baseball.
The win-loss record, the eye test, the roster depth and quality are enough to give them that label.
At 61-32, they are just in another tier than everyone else.
Part of their success stems from their incredible catching tandem.
The catcher not only has offensive duties: it’s the position in charge of handling the entire pitching staff with everything that comes with it.
Fortunately for the Braves, they have two extremely competent catchers in Sean Murphy and Travis d’Arnaud.
Murphy, acquired in the offseason in a three-team trade with the Oakland Athletics and the Milwaukee Brewers, is an MVP candidate.
d’Arnaud, however, is the veteran of the bunch and remains very effective.
His excellent performance makes sure the Braves can keep both of them rested and ready while not affecting the offensive output of the team.
Thanks to his good play, the Braves announced an extension with d’Arnaud.
“The Atlanta #Braves today signed C Travis d’Arnaud to a one-year, $8 million contract for the 2024 season which includes an $8 million club option for 2025 with no buyout,” the team tweeted.
The Atlanta #Braves today signed C Travis d’Arnaud to a one-year, $8 million contract for the 2024 season which includes an $8 million club option for 2025 with no buyout. pic.twitter.com/SkN4NgZIbr
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 18, 2023
The 34-year-old backstop gets a nice payday for next year and the chance to get a similar deal in 2025 if his play warrants it.
He is deserving of his extension, with a solid .265/.338/.478 line and eight home runs in 151 plate appearances.
It might not look like it since Atlanta has Murphy, but d’Arnaud is an integral part of their roster and a very valuable piece with the postseason in mind.
Experience costs money, yet the Braves managed to get a fair deal for a key player.
NEXT: The Braves Are Sitting In A Favorable Position
