The Daily Chop: Braves find their new catcher

The Atlanta Braves struck again on Sunday adding free agent catcher Travis d’Arnaud on a two-year, $16 million deal. He will pair with Tyler Flowers and replace Brian McCann as the team’s catcher tandem for the 2020 season.

While d’Arnaud is not a big name signing like Yasmani Grandal, he was one of the best catchers still available in free agency. Alex Anthopoulos discussed the move with reporters Sunday evening and said that d’Arnaud was near the top of the team’s list.

Atlanta’s catching position seems set now for the next couple of seasons. Flowers is signed through 2020 and d’Arnaud now through 2021. That would theoretically give top catching prospects Shea Langeliers and William Contreras more development time without blocking them completely.

The Braves still need to find a solution for third base and perhaps another starter for the rotation but their 2020 roster is starting to take shape.

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The New York Mets have reportedly interviewed Gil Patterson for their pitching coach position. Patterson is currently Oakland’s minor league pitching coordinator.

The Minnesota Twins have reportedly checked in on several free agent third baseman including Josh Donaldson and Todd Frazier.

Houston Astros outfielder Josh Reddick underwent arthroscopic surgery on the AC joint in his left shoulder earlier this week. He is expected to be ready for the start of Spring Training. Reddick hit .275/.319/.409 with 14 home runs in 141 games for the Astros in 2019.

The San Diego Padres have hired former Braves infielder Ryan Flaherty as their new quality control coach.