Braves Add Catching Depth by Claiming Handley from Orioles

The Atlanta Braves claimed catcher Maverick Handley off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. The move comes as the Braves seek to bolster their catching depth amid multiple injuries. Handley was immediately optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Handley, 28, was selected by the Orioles in the sixth round of the 2019 draft. He has spent his entire professional career in the Orioles’ organization, logging just 48 major league plate appearances in 2024. In those limited opportunities, he managed only a .071 batting average with three hits in 42 at-bats. His track record in the majors is minimal, but his Triple-A performance last season was more encouraging. He hit .258 with an on-base percentage of .373 across 125 games with the Norfolk Tides.

The Braves’ catching situation is currently in flux. Starter Drake Baldwin was placed on the injured list earlier this week with an oblique strain. Baldwin is expected to miss several weeks. Backup option Sean Murphy is also sidelined after suffering a broken middle finger during rehab from hip surgery. Murphy is out for at least another two months.

With both starting options unavailable, Atlanta is left with Sandy León and Chadwick Tromp as its primary catchers. Both have struggled offensively this season, with on-base percentages in the .250 range. Handley brings defensive versatility and a better approach at the plate, drawing walks consistently in the minors. His .373 on-base percentage in Triple-A last year highlights his ability to reach base.

Right-hander Hurston Waldrep was moved from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list to make room for Handley. Waldrep underwent surgery in spring training to remove loose bodies from his elbow. His IL placement was retroactive to three days before Opening Day, meaning he has already served the 60-day minimum. The move does not affect his return timeline but does free up a 40-man roster spot.

The Braves are not expected to call up Handley immediately. He is likely to remain in Triple-A for now, providing depth should the injury issues persist. Handley’s defensive skills and plate discipline could give Atlanta a more balanced option behind the plate.

The Orioles lose a player they had invested in since 2019 but did not see progress at the major league level. The move allows them to focus on other catching options. For the Braves, it’s a stopgap solution until Baldwin and Murphy return.

The Braves will continue to monitor their catching situation as they prepare for their next game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday.