ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves have bolstered their depth behind the plate, reaching an agreement with veteran catcher Jonah Heim on a one-year contract, sources confirmed Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The move provides critical insurance for the Braves as they navigate early-season injury concerns in their catching corps.
Heim, 30, joins Atlanta following a five-season stint with the Texas Rangers, where he established himself as one of the premier defensive backstops in the American League. The switch-hitting catcher was a pivotal piece of the Rangers’ 2023 World Series championship run, a season in which he earned both an All-Star selection and the American League Gold Glove Award.
Addressing the Sean Murphy Injury
The signing comes at a vital time for the Braves. Incumbent starter Sean Murphy is currently recovering from surgery to repair a labral tear in his right hip, a procedure he underwent last September. While Murphy is progressing in his rehabilitation, he is expected to begin the 2026 regular season on the Injured List.
Heim is expected to compete for significant playing time immediately. Team insiders suggest he will likely share duties with Travis d’Arnaud or serve as the primary bridge until Murphy is cleared for full baseball activities, which could be a month or more into the season.
A Proven Defensive Anchor
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, Heim is widely regarded for his elite pitch-framing abilities and defensive runs saved (DRS). During his breakout 2023 campaign, he posted a .258 batting average with 18 home runs and 95 RBIs. While his offensive production dipped in 2025—finishing with a .213 average and 11 home runs—his defensive reliability remained a constant.
Originally a fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Orioles in 2013, Heim spent years in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2020. He was later traded to Texas, where he blossomed into a full-time starter.
What Heim Brings to Atlanta
The Braves’ decision to “scoop up” Heim reflects a strategic move to maintain a high defensive standard at the catching position. Public insights from scouts and analysts frequently highlight Heim’s ability to manage a pitching staff, a trait that will be essential for an Atlanta rotation featuring high-velocity arms.
Heim is already in camp with the Braves for Spring Training. Financial terms of the one-year deal have not been officially disclosed, but the contract is viewed as a low-risk, high-reward veteran addition for a team with championship aspirations in 2026.
Jonah Heim Career Snapshot:
- Position: Catcher
- Bats/Throws: Both / Right
- Accolades: World Series Champion (2023), AL All-Star (2023), Gold Glove Winner (2023)
- 2025 Stats: .213 AVG, 11 HR, 43 RBI
- Born: June 27, 1995 (Buffalo, NY)