Athletics Acquire Jonah Heim from Braves

The Oakland Athletics acquired switch-hitting catcher Jonah Heim from the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations on Monday night, in a trade between the two first-place teams.

Atlanta had designated Heim for assignment earlier that day to clear a roster spot for Sean Murphy, who was activated from the injured list following right hip surgery. Murphy made his season debut that evening against the Seattle Mariners, starting at catcher and batting seventh. The Braves also feature 2025 National League Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin, who entered the day hitting .315 with eight home runs, 29 RBIs and a .909 OPS. Atlanta holds the best record in baseball at 25-10 atop the NL East.

Heim, 30, signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Braves in February as a temporary option until Murphy returned. In 12 games, he batted .231 with one home run and eight RBIs, posting a .721 OPS. His performance included a strong showing Sunday, when he homered and drove in five runs during Atlanta's 11-6 victory at Colorado.

The Athletics, who lead the AL West at 18-16, placed their primary catcher Shea Langeliers on the paternity list in a corresponding move. Langeliers, batting .336 with 10 home...