Athletics Acquire Catcher Jonah Heim from Braves for Cash Considerations

On Monday night, the Atlanta Braves traded catcher Jonah Heim to the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations. The move coincided with the Braves’ series opener in Seattle and followed the activation of All-Star catcher Sean Murphy from the injured list.

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Heim signed a minor-league deal with Atlanta after being non-tendered by Texas. He opened the season as Drake Baldwin’s backup while Murphy recovered, but was DFA’d when Murphy returned, prompting the cash trade. Heim debuted with Oakland in 2020, spent five seasons with Texas (including an All-Star and Gold Glove year in 2023), and rejoined the Braves this season before the move.

Jonah Heim to the Athletics

• Jonah Heim – 30-year-old switch-hitter, career .225 average, 69 homers.

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• Sean Murphy – Veteran catcher, returning from hip surgery, originally an Oakland draft pick.

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• Drake Baldwin – Rookie backup catcher for Atlanta.

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• Shea Langeliers – Athletics starter, .336 average, .627 OPS.

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• Austin Wynns – Veteran Athletics catcher who has been backing up Langeliers, posting a .244 OPS in 39 plate appearances.

Jonah Heim to the Athletics

Heim is hitting .231/.311/.410 in 45 plate appearances, with one homer, eight RBIs and a five-RBI game in the 11-6 win on Sunday. Langeliers leads Oakland with a .336 average and .627 OPS. Atlanta is 25-10; Oakland is 18-16.

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The Braves announced on X that they received cash considerations for Heim. Bob Nightengale reported the Athletics’ acquisition, confirming the cash-only return. No further comment was given.

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Fans highlighted Heim’s defensive stats—zero caught stealings in 13 attempts and six wild pitches in 103 innings—raising concerns about his backup suitability. One tweet asked, “Wait why? He was really good for us… I hope we don’t regret this.”

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Sources list Heim’s age as 30 (ESPN) and 20 (Fastball). Reports differ on his batting line—ESPN cites a .231 average in 39 at-bats, Fastball a .231/.311/.410 line in 45 plate appearances. The Athletics have not addressed the discrepancy.

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• “The #Braves tonight acquired cash considerations from the Athletics in exchange for C Jonah Heim.” — Atlanta Braves, X post

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• “The Athletics acquire catcher Jonah Heim from Atlanta for cash considerations,” — Bob Nightengale, via X

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• “Wait why? He was really good for us and catcher isn’t exactly a position known for longevity and durability… I hope we don’t regret this” — @bwstanley26, Twitter

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• “Honestly the best fit, he has good potential to rebound in Sacramento & rejoins the AL West.” — @NYSports29, Twitter

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Heim is expected to back up Langeliers with a possible debut against the Philadelphia Phillies early next week. The trade reflects the Braves’ restored catching depth and the Athletics’ attempt to improve backup options as the AL West race tightens.

Braves part ways with All-Star in trade with Athletics