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Jun 19, 2026 Major2
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Braves acquire catcher Joey Bart from Pirates for pitcher Hunter Stratton
The Braves acquired catcher Joey Bart from the Pirates for right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton, adding depth behind rookie Drake Baldwin while Sean Murphy is on the injured list. Bart, a Georgia native and former second overall pick, returns to his hometown area.
Quick Facts
Who
Atlanta Braves
What
acquired catcher Joey Bart
When
Thursday night
Where
Atlanta
- acquired catcher Joey Bart
- traded pitcher Hunter Stratton
- designated Sandy León for assignment
- assigned Stratton to Triple-A Indianapolis
- added catching depth
The Atlanta Braves announced Thursday night that they have acquired catcher Joey Bart from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton. The move bolsters the Braves' catching depth behind 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin while 2023 All-Star Sean Murphy continues to recover from a broken finger.
Bart, a former second overall pick in the 2018 amateur draft by the San Francisco Giants, returns to his hometown area after playing college baseball at Georgia Tech. This season with Pittsburgh, he batted .259 with two home runs, six RBIs, and a .670 OPS in 21 games.
To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta designated veteran catcher Sandy León for assignment. León had struggled at the plate, batting .091 with no RBIs in 21 games this season.
Stratton, who appeared in one game for the Braves this year and tossed a scoreless inning, was assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis by the Pirates. He had previously pitched for Pittsburgh from 2023 to 2025 before being traded to Atlanta last July.
The NL East-leading Braves, who hold a 46-27 record, now have three catchers on their roster while Murphy remains on the 60-day injured list. Bart's addition provides both offensive depth and a local connection, having grown up in the Atlanta suburbs.
Bart's career has seen stops with the Giants, Pirates, and now the Braves, offering a fresh opportunity for the 29-year-old backstop to contribute to a playoff-contending team.
Why This Matters
This trade directly impacts the Braves' depth behind the plate while Murphy remains sidelined. Bart, a former second overall pick, provides a reliable MLB-caliber option to back up Rookie of the Year Baldwin, giving the NL East leaders a stronger safety net as they pursue a playoff run. For fantasy managers, Bart's role could increase if Baldwin slumps or needs rest.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireTrade agreed upon between Braves and Pirates
Jun 19, 2026
WireTrade announced: Braves acquire Joey Bart, Pirates acquire Hunter Stratton
Jun 19, 2026
WireSandy León designated for assignment by Braves
Jun 19, 2026
WireHunter Stratton assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis
Jun 19, 2026
WireAP reports the trade was announced Thursday night