Braves Roster Shakeup
Braves Strengthen Catcher Position by Acquiring Veteran Austin Wynns, Designate Chadwick Tromp
Anonymous
The Atlanta Braves acquired veteran catcher Austin Wynns from the Los Angeles Angels on June 3, 2026, in exchange for cash. The 35-year-old joins a team scrambling to fill a gaping hole behind the plate after losing both of its top catchers to injury within a single week.
To clear roster space, Atlanta designated Chadwick Tromp for assignment and transferred Sean Murphy to the 60-day injured list. The Braves, sitting at 42-20 and first in the NL East, now turn to Wynns and Sandy León to hold things together until Drake Baldwin returns, Athlon Sports reported.
Two Injured Catchers Left Atlanta Desperate for Help
The Braves' catching crisis began on May 12, when starter Sean Murphy fractured his left middle finger against the Mets. Manager Walt Weiss estimated an eight-week recovery. Then, just seven days later, 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin landed on the injured list with a strained right oblique muscle, according to Newsday.
With both catchers sidelined, Atlanta leaned on Sandy León and Chadwick Tromp. Neither inspired confidence. Tromp hit just .200 with a .432 OPS in 12 games in 2026, per AP News. That left the front office with little choice but to go shopping for a proven backstop.
Austin Wynns Brings Defense and Big-League Experience
Wynns joins his seventh MLB organization, bringing a career .231 batting average, 19 home runs, and 84 RBI across 293 games, according to Baseball Reference. His bat is not his selling point. His glove is. Wynns has thrown out 30.2% of attempted base stealers in the majors — well above the league average.
Athlon Sports noted that Wynns "has been a sustainable backup" who now gets his next shot. His 2025 OPS+ of 129 suggests he can outperform his rough .077 average in limited 2026 action. The Braves are betting his defensive skills will protect their elite pitching staff while the lineup heals.
Tromp DFA'd as Braves Juggle a Crowded 40-Man Roster
Chadwick Tromp, a fan favorite and member of the Netherlands national team, was the odd man out. His 5-for-25 line with zero walks and seven strikeouts in 2026 sealed his fate, per AP News. If Tromp clears waivers, he is expected to head to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Murphy's shift to the 60-day IL means he cannot return before July 11, 2026. The Braves also selected outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr.'s contract to the 40-man roster, then immediately optioned him to Gwinnett. MLB.com's Mark Bowman noted the move was designed to prevent Keirsey from exercising an opt-out clause in his minor league deal.
Baldwin Return in Late June Is the Light at the End of the Tunnel
Manager Walt Weiss said Wednesday that Baldwin is "on pace to return in June," per AP News. That gives Wynns roughly five weeks as the primary starter. His job is simple: keep the pitching staff stable and do not make Atlanta's offensive struggles behind the plate any worse.
The trade cost Atlanta nothing but cash — no prospects, no players. That frugal approach lets the Braves preserve their depth for a potential postseason run. With the best record in the NL East, nhregister.com noted, the front office is managing short-term pain without mortgaging the future.
Sentiment
NeutralNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
12
Articles
11
Reach
12
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
