Braves trade catcher Jonah Heim to Athletics
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Jonah Heim (20) during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Just a few hours after designating backup catcher Jonah Heim for assignment, the Atlanta Braves announced a trade to the Athletics in exchange for cash considerations. The #Braves tonight acquired cash considerations from the Athletics in exchange for C Jonah Heim.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 5, 2026 With catcher Sean Murphy ready to be activated from the IL, it was Heim who found himself as the man left out from the 26-man roster. There was discussion the club could opt to keep Heim around and carry three catchers, especially with Drake Baldwin and Murphy expected to play nearly every day, but given the injured state of the outfield, the Braves had no choice but to part with the veteran catcher. Heim did a fine job in backup duty of Baldwin over the past month, hitting .
231/. 311/. 410 (99 wRC+) across 45 plate appearances.
In case of an injury to Baldwin or Murphy in the weeks to come, the club would likely call upon Chadwick Tromp, who is currently in Triple-A Gwinnett, to serve as the backup catcher.