Braves agree to two-year extension with Travis d’Arnaud

Seemingly out of nowhere, the Atlanta Braves announced Friday that they have agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract extension with catcher Travis d’Arnaud. The deal also includes an $8 million club option for 2024 with no buyout.

D’Arnaud originally signed a two-year deal with Atlanta back in November of 2019. He won the Silver Slugger Award in 2020 hitting .321 with nine home runs and a .19 OPS in 44 games. He suffered a thumb injury that required surgery early on this season but recently returned to the lineup. d’Arnaud has appeared in 28 games this season and is hitting .223/.277/.369 with three home runs.

The Braves also have young catching prospects in William Contreras and Shea Langeliers that could figure into the picture as soon as next season. Keeping d’Arnaud around will give the team a bit more of a bridge. The DH possibly returning to the National League in 2022 could provide more added flexibility.