BREAKING: Baltimore Confirms Signing of Physically Gifted Former Braves Catcher from Free Agency

The Baltimore Orioles have officially signed a talented catcher to a minor league contract, as confirmed by his entry in the MLB.com transaction log. He recently became a free agent after being designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves and subsequently clearing waivers. He has now joined the Orioles’ Triple-A affiliate, the Norfolk Tides. The Tides acknowledged the addition of the catcher in today’s game notes, with a tip of the hat to Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com for the update.

The catcher, 30, is a veteran backstop who began his professional journey in 2013 within the Cincinnati Reds organization. He eventually made his Major League debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2020. The Braves later claimed him off waivers in September 2021, and he saw limited big league action with Atlanta from 2022 through 2025. Across his MLB career, he has appeared in 61 games and logged 162 plate appearances, producing a .224 batting average, a .235 on-base percentage, and a .385 slugging percentage. While not a consistent offensive force, he offers occasional power at the plate—recording 15 extra-base hits and a .160 isolated power (ISO)—alongside steady defensive skills behind the plate.

Given the Orioles’ current depth at the catcher position, he is unlikely to be called up to the major league roster unless injuries occur. The team is anchored by two-time All-Star Adley Rutschman as their everyday starter and supported by power-hitting veteran Gary Sánchez in the backup role. Still, he adds a valuable, experienced option to the organization’s depth chart. He is considered a more reliable third-string option than David Bañuelos and could provide a buffer if an injury were to sideline either Rutschman or Sánchez.

Additionally, Chadwick Tromp’s presence may ease any urgency the Orioles might feel about fast-tracking top catching prospect Samuel Basallo to the majors. Basallo is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and is still in the early stages of his Triple-A development, having played only 28 games at that level. Though he’s seen as a future star, Basallo is just 20 years old, and the Orioles are expected to take a patient approach with his progression. Tromp, therefore, provides both immediate insurance and long-term flexibility for Baltimore’s catching situation.