The Atlanta Braves bolstered their catching depth Tuesday as they wait for Sean Murphy to return, signing former Texas Rangers All-Star to a one-year contract.
Heim joined the club for its first workout with pitchers and catchers.
Now 30, Heim earned All-Star honors and a Gold Glove in 2023 after batting .258 with 18 home runs and 95 RBIs for Texas. His production dipped the following seasons, as he hit .220 in 2024 and .213 last year.
Murphy had season-ending surgery in September to repair a labral tear in his right hip. He began running on Tuesday and said he had no timetable on when he expects to be ready to play.
Murphy had season-ending surgery in September to repair a labral tear in his right hip. He began running on Tuesday and said he had no timetable on when he expects to be ready to play.
The Braves are expected to rely on 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin to handle most starts at catcher to open the season. Heim will serve as depth, possibly allowing Baldwin to remain in the lineup as the designated hitter when he’s not catching.
Murphy told reporters: “I feel good. I think we’re making good progress on the hip and now we’re checking boxes as we go. So far no setbacks and everything is going well.”
Infielder Nacho Alvarez also worked with the catchers during the first workout.
