Braves reportedly cut $18M Gold Glove World Series champion to clear Sean Murphy roster spot originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Atlanta Braves made a solid pickup right before Spring Training when they added Jonah Heim to the roster. Heim, a World Series champion with the Texas Rangers, was viewed as a strong veteran addition. On Sunday, he delivered a standout performance at the plate, driving in five RBIs.

“Heim went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer, a double, three additional RBI and an additional run scored in Sunday’s 11-6 win over Colorado,” CBS Sports wrote. “With Drake Baldwin at designated hitter, Heim drew the start at catcher and made the most of it, matching a career high with five RBI. He opened the scoring for Atlanta with a two-run blast in the second inning before adding another extra-base hit with a two-RBI double in the ninth to extend the lead.”

In a way, Heim was trying to make one final impression before Sean Murphy returned from his rehab assignment.

“Catcher Sean Murphy is likely to make his season debut with the Braves when the team visits Seattle to take on the Mariners next week. Murphy has been recovering from hip surgery that caused him to miss the final month of the 2025 season,” Battery Power’s DJourn wrote.

However, Heim’s performance was not enough to secure his roster spot with Murphy returning on Monday. The Braves ultimately designated Heim for assignment to make room for Murphy.

“The Braves today reinstated C Sean Murphy from the injured list after returning him from his rehabilitation assignment yesterday. The club designated C Jonah Heim for assignment,” the Atlanta Braves posted.

It was a move that ultimately had to be made, as carrying three catchers on the major league roster was not sustainable. Depth pieces like Dom Smith and Jorge Mateo are too valuable to let go.

The only other option would have been moving on from Kyle Farmer, but that decision will likely be delayed until Ha-Seong Kim returns. Heim has earned roughly $18 million in his career, so this is not necessarily the end of the road for him. The Braves are now hoping Murphy’s return can help further strengthen an already productive offense.

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