Atlanta Braves announced this Tuesday, February 10, the signing of veteran catcher Jonah Heim to a one-year contract at the level of Major League. The information was confirmed by sources linked to the club and widely publicized on specialized baseball portals.
Heim, who will turn 31 in June, arrives to fill an immediate need in the squad while Sean Murphy recovers from hip surgery. Drake Baldwin, elected Rookie of the Year of Liga Nacional in 2025, will be the main starter at the start of the season.
The deal includes a guaranteed salary and positions Heim as the main reserve candidate, surpassing options with less experience who were in spring training.
Contract details
Jonah Heim signed a one-year contract with a reported value of around $1.25 million. The agreement is for Major League, guaranteeing presence on the main roster from the beginning.
Unlike invitations to spring training, this modality offers financial security to the player. With more than five years of service in the MLB, Heim has rights that prevent demotion without consent.
Braves, catcher Jonah Heim reportedly agree to deal, per MLB’s@Feinsand. pic.twitter.com/MKM6mX7ovZ
—MLB (@MLB)February 10, 2026
Trajectory of Jonah Heim
Jonah Heim was a key player in winning the World Series by the Texas Rangers in 2023.
He received the Gold Glove award and selection for the All-Star Game, standing out especially in shot framing. Sua rate of runners thrown out during attempted steals reached 29.3%, well above the league average.
In the following two years, however, the numbers showed a consistent drop in several indicators. Offensive production dropped to a .217 average, with a reduction in power and solid contact.
Recent decline in performance
The defense of
In attack, indicators such as barrel rate, hard-hit rate and drive line suffered gradual reductions. Embora Although no single change was drastic, the accumulated effect significantly impacted the overall contribution.
- 2023 batting average: .258
- Home runs in 2023: 18
- wRC+ in 2023: 107
- 2024-2025 Combined Average: .217
- wRC+ combined 2024-2025: around 71
- Runner strikeout rate 2024-2025: 13.7%
These numbers reflect a common challenge for veteran catchers who face physical wear and tear throughout the seasons.
Current situation of catchers at Braves
Sean Murphy underwent surgery to repair a labral tear in his hip last September. Recovery follows a standard schedule of four to six months, but a complete return is only projected for May.
Drake
With Murphy out initially, the squad only had limited depth options on the 40-man roster. The arrival of Heim raises the level of experience behind the plate.
Baldwin and Murphy were a projected duo for 2026 before the injury. Agora, the rotation gains greater flexibility during the veteran’s absence.
Expected defensive impact
Heim still offers above-average quality in blocking balls on the ground. Mesmo with a recent decline in framing, his experience contributes to the command of the pitching staff.
The switch-hitter catcher maintains the ability to produce 15 to 20 home runs in full seasons. Essa power represents additional value for a traditionally offensively limited position.
Offseason context in Atlanta
Braves seeks balance in the squad after a season marked by injuries in key positions. The signing of Heim follows the strategy of adding veterans on short deals to fill temporary gaps.
Other recent moves include monitoring the recovery of players like Ha-Seong Kim. The focus remains on maintaining competitiveness in Divisão Leste and Liga Nacional.
The presence of Heim in the camp since this morning accelerates integration into the group. Treinadores will be able to assess their current condition during the first training sessions.
Career numbers of Heim
Jonah Heim has played over 600 games on Major League since its debut. Sua career average sits at .225, with 68 home runs and an overall OPS of .653.
- Games played: over 600
- Total home runs: 68
- Accumulated RBIs: 282
- Lifetime average: .225
- Gold Gloves: 1
- All-Star selections: 1
These numbers demonstrate consistency throughout the seasons despite recent fluctuations.
The player was originally drafted by Orioles and went through Athletics before settling on Rangers. The change to Texas in 2021 marked a turning point in his professional trajectory.
Projection for 2026
Heim competes directly for playing time with Baldwin at the start of the championship. Caso Murphy returns on schedule, the veteran can assume the role of an experienced reserve.
Contractual flexibility allows for future adjustments as needed by the cast. Braves gains a valuable option without long-term commitment.
The signing represents a typical move by contending clubs in the competition window. Reforços punctuals like this often decide narrow margins in contested divisions.
