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Braves Trade for Joey Bart, Add Backup Catcher

6/19/2026

Summary

Braves Acquire Bart

The Atlanta Braves acquired catcher Joey Bart from the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-hander Hunter Stratton on Thursday.
Atlanta designated Sandy León for assignment, clearing a 40-man roster spot, and assigned Bart to back up Drake Baldwin after rehab for a foot infection.
The Braves added Bart, who posted a .259 average and .670 OPS in 21 games, while Sean Murphy remains on the 60-day injured list with a broken finger.

Summary

Pirates Catchers

The Pirates' 40-man roster lists three catchers—Henry Davis, Endy Rodríguez, and Rafael Flores Jr.—after trading Joey Bart.
Endy Rodríguez has posted a .267/.413/.467 line with a .880 OPS in 23 games.
Paul Skenes has started with Henry Davis behind the plate, limiting flexibility for additional catchers.
After being dealt to Atlanta on July 1 2025 for outfielder prospect Titus Dumitru, Hunter Stratton returns to address Pittsburgh’s bullpen depth concerns.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 the Atlanta Braves added catcher Javy López, who set the single-season home-run record for a catcher and helped the team post a 90–54 record and win the World Series. The move contrasts with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ later focus on home-grown players, a strategy reflected in the July 1 2025 trade sending catcher Joey Bart to Atlanta for right-hander Hunter Stratton.

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Braves Acquire Bart

The Atlanta Braves acquired catcher Joey Bart from the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-hander Hunter Stratton on Thursday.
Atlanta designated Sandy León for assignment, clearing a 40-man roster spot, and assigned Bart to back up Drake Baldwin after rehab for a foot infection.
The Braves added Bart, who posted a .259 average and .670 OPS in 21 games, while Sean Murphy remains on the 60-day injured list with a broken finger.

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