Braves Sign Catcher Jonah Heim to One-Year Deal

The Atlanta Braves have signed veteran catcher Jonah Heim to a one-year major league contract, adding experienced depth to their roster as pitchers and catchers reported to spring training in North Port, Florida, on Tuesday.

Heim, a 29-year-old former All-Star and Gold Glove winner with the Texas Rangers, arrived at the Braves' camp on the first day of official workouts. The agreement, first reported by MLB.com's Mark Bowman, positions Heim as the frontrunner for the backup role behind National League Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin. With Sean Murphy sidelined following hip surgery at the end of last season, the Braves sought a reliable option to support Baldwin during the early part of the regular season. Murphy has begun baseball activities, including running exercises, and is targeting a return in May, according to team reports.

The move addresses a need created by Murphy's recovery timeline. Baldwin, who emerged as Atlanta's primary catcher last year, and Murphy were expected to form the team's tandem before the injury. Other candidates for the backup spot, including non-roster invitees Chadwick Tromp and Sandy Leon, now face stiffer competition from Heim, who brings more...