Former Rangers' Gold Glover Jonah Heim eyeing roster spot with new team this spring

Jonah Heim was a fixture behind the plate for the Rangers from 2021 to 2025. He was also an integral part of the 2023 team that won the World Series, providing Gold Glove-caliber play as the team's primary catcher and some big hits in the ALCS against the Astros.

After two subpar seasons, however, he was non-tendered by the club and became a free agent following the 2025 season. In 255 games over the last two seasons, Heim posted 1.5 bWAR. He hit .220/.267/.336 (75 OPS+) in 2024 and .213/.271/.331 (77 OPS+) in 2025.

Now, the former blue-collar fan-favorite from Buffalo, New York, has landed with the Atlanta Braves in an attempt to fill a backup role. The Braves haven't officially announced the signing, but MassLive's Chris Cotillo reported that Heim and Atlanta have agreed to a one-year, major league contract.

Former Rangers catcher Jonah Heim fills an area of need for the Atlanta Braves

The Braves begin spring training thin at the catching position as their All-Star starter Sean Murphy is set to begin the year on the IL with a right hip labral tear. He is shooting for a May return, which means that Heim will be vying for a spot behind reigning NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin.

Once Murphy returns, he is expected to split time with Baldwin, and if Heim makes the team out of spring training, the Braves will have a roster decision to make at that point.

Jonah Heim had a career year in 2023 and came up big for the Rangers in the postseason

In a magical season where it seemed as if every player on the Rangers' roster had a career year offensively, Heim slashed .258/.317/.438 smacking 18 homers and driving in 95 runs in just 457 at-bats.

His combination of Gold Glove defense and productivity with the bat earned him both a Gold Glove and his only all-star nod.

Unfortunately, Heim's production dried up quickly after that, and he is coming off a 2025 that saw him hit career lows in almost every offensive category since taking over the starting job in 2022.

Hopefully, the change of scenery will do Heim well, and he can either stick with the Braves or play well enough to get a chance somewhere else in 2026.