Braves Sign Catcher Jonah Heim: Schwellenbach to 60-Day IL

NORTH PORT, Fla. – The Atlanta Braves addressed their catching depth Tuesday, signing free agent Jonah Heim to a one-year, $1.25 million contract. The move comes as Sean Murphy continues his recovery from a labral tear in his right hip, and simultaneously with news that right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach will miss significant time due to right elbow inflammation.

Heim, 30, joins the Braves after five seasons with the Texas Rangers, including a standout 2023 campaign where he earned an All-Star selection and a Gold Glove award. That year, he batted .258 with 18 home runs and 95 RBIs. While his offensive production dipped to .213 with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs in 124 games last season, his defensive prowess behind the plate remains a valuable asset.

The signing of Heim provides insurance at the catcher position while Murphy rehabs. Murphy underwent surgery in September and began running drills on Tuesday, but there is no firm timetable for his return. Braves manager Walt Weiss anticipates Murphy being ready to return in May. Drake Baldwin, the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year, is expected to handle the bulk of the catching duties in Murphy’s absence, but Heim offers a proven veteran presence and a capable alternative.

The Braves’ pitching staff, however, received a blow with the news regarding Schwellenbach. The 25-year-old right-hander will begin the season on the 60-day injured list. Weiss indicated the team is hopeful the issue is related to bone spurs, but acknowledged the inflammation is significant and will sideline Schwellenbach for a considerable period. “It’s going to be significant time he’s going to miss,” Weiss told reporters.

Schwellenbach emerged as a promising starter for the Braves last season, posting a 3.09 ERA in 17 starts before a fractured elbow cut his season short. His absence adds to a growing list of pitching injuries for the Braves, who saw Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, Grant Holmes, and A.J. Smith-Shawver all miss substantial time last year. Weiss acknowledged the inevitability of pitching injuries, stating, “I always say before a season even starts your pitching depth is going to get tested. It’s inevitable.”

The Braves are hoping Schwellenbach avoided a serious injury to his UCL, but the inflammation and potential bone spurs present a setback for a pitcher who had quickly established himself as a key part of the rotation. The team will proceed cautiously, prioritizing a full recovery over a rushed return.

Heim’s arrival provides a degree of stability as the Braves navigate these early spring training challenges. His experience as a member of the 2023 World Series-winning Texas Rangers team, coupled with his defensive skills, makes him a valuable addition to the clubhouse. He threw out 11 of 70 runners attempting to steal last season.

The Braves’ front office clearly prioritized addressing the catching situation following Murphy’s surgery. While Baldwin is a rising star, Heim offers a reliable alternative and a veteran voice for a young pitching staff. The $1.25 million deal represents a relatively modest investment for a player with Heim’s track record and potential.

The Schwellenbach injury, however, raises concerns about the depth of the Braves’ starting rotation. With Sale and Spencer Strider currently penciled in as the top two starters, the Braves will need to rely on a combination of experienced veterans and emerging prospects to fill the remaining spots. The team will likely explore options to bolster their pitching depth throughout spring training and potentially during the season.

Weiss emphasized the opportunity for other pitchers to step up in Schwellenbach’s absence. “It’ll create opportunity for other guys,” he said. “These types of things always do, and somebody steps up.” The Braves will be closely evaluating their pitching prospects and veteran arms throughout spring training to identify potential replacements for Schwellenbach in the rotation.

The Braves’ spring training camp is already shaping up to be a test of their organizational depth. The combination of Murphy’s recovery and Schwellenbach’s injury underscores the importance of having a robust farm system and a well-prepared roster of backup players. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, they will need to rely on their depth to navigate the inevitable challenges that arise throughout a long and demanding baseball season.