Travis Emmanuel d’Arnaud Bio
Travis Emmanuel d’Arnaud is an American professional baseball catcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball. He has previously played in MLB for the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, and Atlanta Braves. D’Arnaud made his MLB debut in 2013 and has built a reputation as a solid two-way catcher with significant power at the plate. He won a Silver Slugger Award in 2020, was named an All-Star in 2022, and captured a World Series championship with the Atlanta Braves in 2021. Throughout his career, d’Arnaud has been known for his leadership behind the plate and his ability to impact games both offensively and defensively.
Early Life and Background
Travis Emmanuel d’Arnaud was born on February 10, 1989, in Long Beach, California. He grew up in a household filled with music. His mother Marita ran an after-school performing-arts center in Long Beach, while his father Lance was a accomplished musician who played trumpet, piano, and trombone. In d’Arnaud’s extended family, two of his uncles were pianists and his cousin was an electropop musician. Despite this musical environment, baseball became d’Arnaud’s true passion from an early age.
D’Arnaud described his Long Beach upbringing as having a huge baseball community, and he became a childhood fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He modeled his baseball career after Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza. As children, d’Arnaud and his older brother Chase would discuss how cool it would be to play with or against each other in the big leagues. Chase went on to play several years in MLB, and the two brothers faced each other multiple times throughout their careers.
D’Arnaud chose to attend Lakewood High School, the rivals of the high school where his brother played. As a high school baseball player in 2007, d’Arnaud began drawing the attention of professional scouts. He was invited to work out with the Toronto Blue Jays organization and graduated in 2007. He was later inducted into the Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame as Co-Athlete of the Year in 2008 for his achievements.
Path to Professional Baseball
D’Arnaud had committed to play college baseball for the Pepperdine Waves, the same school where his brother had played, before his baseball future took a different direction. He was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the supplemental first round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft with the 37th overall pick. D’Arnaud chose to forgo his college commitment and signed a minor league contract for $832,500, beginning his professional baseball journey immediately after high school graduation.
He started his professional career in 2007 with the Gulf Coast League Phillies, playing 41 games and posting a .241 batting average with a .626 OPS. The following year, he split time between the Williamsport Crosscutters and the Lakewood BlueClaws, where he excelled by hitting .305 with an .833 OPS and earning selection to the New York-Penn League mid-season All-Star game. In 2009, he remained with Lakewood and played in 126 games, hitting 13 home runs while helping the BlueClaws win the South Atlantic League championship. He was named a South Atlantic League All-Star for the second consecutive season.
Travis Emmanuel d’Arnaud Career
Minor League Years with Toronto Blue Jays (2010–2012)
Prior to the 2010 season, d’Arnaud was included in a significant trade that sent him from the Phillies to the Toronto Blue Jays organization. The Phillies received ace pitcher Roy Halladay along with $6 million in exchange for d’Arnaud, Kyle Drabek, and Michael Taylor. D’Arnaud spent the entire 2010 season with the Dunedin Blue Jays, the Blue Jays’ High-A affiliate in the Florida State League. Despite battling back problems, he earned FSL Player of the Week honors for the week of April 19 and was selected to participate in the midsummer Home Run Derby. He was named both a Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star that year.
The 2011 season with the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats proved to be a breakout year for d’Arnaud. He finished with a .311 batting average and a .371 on-base percentage in 114 games, along with 21 home runs, 33 doubles, and a .542 slugging percentage. He was named to the Eastern League Mid-Season All-Star team and was later named the Eastern League Most Valuable Player on August 26. Baseball America named him the Best Defensive Catcher in the Eastern League and the number 2 prospect in the league behind Bryce Harper. He was also selected to play for USA Baseball in the IBAF 2011 Baseball World Cup.
In 2012, d’Arnaud continued his ascent through the Blue Jays system and was named to appear in the All-Star Futures Game on June 21, showcasing his talents among the top prospects in minor league baseball.
New York Mets (2013–2019)
On December 17, 2012, the Blue Jays traded d’Arnaud to the New York Mets as part of a package for R.A. Dickey, Josh Thole, and Mike Nickeas. The Mets optioned d’Arnaud to Triple-A Las Vegas to begin the 2013 season, but his progress was interrupted when he suffered a non-displaced fracture on his left foot during a game on April 17. He completed a rehabilitation assignment in July and was called up to the majors on August 17. In his first major league plate appearance, he drew a four-pitch walk from San Diego starter Edinson Volquez. He recorded his first major league hit on August 20 against the Atlanta Braves and hit his first major league home run on August 25, a two-run shot off Detroit Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello that earned him a curtain call from Mets fans.
D’Arnaud became the Mets’ starting catcher in 2014 and appeared in 108 games, batting .242 with 13 home runs and 41 RBIs. He tied for seventh place in the 2014 National League Rookie of the Year Award voting. The following year was challenging due to injuries, as he suffered his third professional concussion when hit by Alfonso Soriano’s backswing on May 13 and was also optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas mid-season. He responded by hitting .436 with six home runs in 15 games during his demotion and was called back up in June. He finished the season batting .272 with 10 home runs after his recall.
The 2015 season saw d’Arnaud appear in 67 games and bat .268 with 12 home runs and 41 RBIs. In the postseason, he caught all 14 games for the Mets and played a crucial role in their run to the World Series. In the Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he drove in the winning run in the deciding fifth game. Against the Chicago Cubs in the Championship Series, he hit two home runs in 16 plate appearances. He began 2016 as the Mets’ Opening Day catcher before injuries interrupted his season. He changed his uniform number from 7 to 18 during the year to honor Peyton Manning and give Jose Reyes his preferred number.
In 2017, d’Arnaud dealt with a bruised right wrist that landed him on the disabled list in May. He also saw time at third base and second base during the season due to injuries around the infield. He began the 2018 season as the Mets’ Opening Day catcher but was placed on the disabled list on April 11 with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He underwent Tommy John surgery on April 17, which ended his season. The Mets designated d’Arnaud for assignment on April 28, 2019, and he was released on May 3.
Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays (2019)
D’Arnaud signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 5, 2019, and appeared in one game as a pinch hitter. The Dodgers traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays on May 10 in exchange for cash considerations. His time with the Rays proved to be memorable, as he went 3-for-3 with two walks and three home runs including a go-ahead three-run home run off Aroldis Chapman at Yankee Stadium on July 15. D’Arnaud became the fifth player in Rays franchise history to hit three home runs in a single game. Three days later, on July 21, he hit his first career grand slam off Dylan Cease leading the team to a 4-2 win against the Chicago White Sox. Combined across all three teams in 2019, he batted .251 with 16 home runs and 69 RBIs.
Atlanta Braves (2020–2024)
On November 24, 2019, d’Arnaud signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Atlanta Braves. In 2020, at 31 years of age, he had his breakout offensive season. He batted .321 with nine home runs, 34 RBIs, and a .533 slugging percentage in 165 at-bats. This performance earned him his first Silver Slugger Award as the best offensive catcher in the National League, recognizing his excellence at the plate.
The 2021 season started promisingly before tragedy struck. On May 1, 2021, d’Arnaud suffered a left thumb injury while tagging out a runner at home plate and was placed on the 60-day injured list with a torn thumb ligament that required surgery. He was activated on August 11 and returned to help the Braves clinch the National League East title with an 88-73 record. On August 20, d’Arnaud and the Braves agreed to a two-year, $16 million extension with a club option for 2024 worth $8 million. The Braves went on to win the 2021 World Series, their first title since 1995, with d’Arnaud contributing a solo home run in Game 3 of the series. He finished the 2021 season batting .220 with seven home runs and 26 RBIs.
In 2022, d’Arnaud was named to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game roster as a reserve catcher. His teammate William Contreras was also named to the All-Star team, making them the first pair of catchers from the same team to be named All-Stars since Yogi Berra and Elston Howard of the New York Yankees in 1962. D’Arnaud finished the season batting .268 with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs, posting a career-high WAR of 2.9. Prior to the 2023 season, the Braves acquired Sean Murphy from the Oakland Athletics, and d’Arnaud shared catching and designated hitting duties. On June 16, 2023, d’Arnaud hit his 100th career home run in a two-homer game against the Colorado Rockies. On July 18, 2023, he agreed to another contract extension worth $8 million for 2024 with an option for 2025 worth $8 million.
The 2024 season proved to be another strong year for d’Arnaud. On April 19, 2024, he hit three home runs including one grand slam in a game against the Texas Rangers. He became the fourth Braves catcher to hit three home runs in a game and the third catcher in MLB history to have multiple games with three or more home runs. In 99 games for Atlanta, he slashed .238 with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs. On November 4, 2024, the Braves declined d’Arnaud’s option for the 2025 season, making him a free agent.
Los Angeles Angels (2025–Present)
On November 12, 2024, d’Arnaud signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. He made 69 appearances during the 2025 season, batting .197 with six home runs and 21 RBIs while handling the Angels’ pitching staff as their primary catcher. The move reunited him with an organization from his home state of California. On May 8, 2026, d’Arnaud was placed on the injured list due to right foot plantar fasciitis and was transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 3, interrupting his 2026 season with the Angels.
Defensive Skills and Reputation
Throughout his career, d’Arnaud has been recognized for his defensive abilities behind the plate, including being named Best Defensive Catcher in the Eastern League during his minor league career. He has handled elite pitching staffs and is known for his game-calling abilities and leadership in the clubhouse. His experience spanning multiple organizations has made him a valuable mentor to younger catchers throughout his career.
Notable Career Milestones
D’Arnaud’s career has been highlighted by several memorable moments, including hitting home runs in the World Series with both the Mets in 2015 and the Braves in 2021. His three-homer games with the Rays in 2019 and Braves in 2024 demonstrated his ability to take over games offensively. His journey from a supplemental first-round draft pick to a World Series champion and Silver Slugger Award winner represents a solid major league career built on consistency and clutch performances.
Travis Emmanuel d’Arnaud Career Statistics
Through April 19, 2026, d’Arnaud has accumulated career statistics across 13 MLB seasons with five different teams. His offensive production has been a consistent asset throughout his career, with particular power numbers that earned him recognition as one of the better-hitting catchers in the game.
Major League Baseball Highlights
D’Arnaud has been a reliable offensive contributor at the catcher position throughout his career. His career batting average stands at .244 with 129 home runs and 459 RBIs. His best offensive season came in 2020 with the Braves when he hit .321, earning him the Silver Slugger Award. He has shown the ability to hit for average and power while handling the demanding workload of a major league catcher. His 2022 All-Star selection and career-high 2.9 WAR demonstrated his continued value to his team.
Career Accolades
Throughout his career, d’Arnaud has earned several prestigious honors that recognize his contributions to the sport. He won the Silver Slugger Award in 2020 as the best offensive catcher in the National League. He was selected as an All-Star in 2022 with the Atlanta Braves. Most significantly, he captured a World Series championship in 2021 with the Braves, contributing a home run in the championship series. In his minor league career, he was named Eastern League MVP in 2011 and received numerous All-Star selections at various levels of the minor leagues.
Travis Emmanuel d’Arnaud Family
Family Background and Baseball Lineage
Baseball runs deep in the d’Arnaud family. Travis is the son of Lance and Marita d’Arnaud. His older brother Chase d’Arnaud also pursued a professional baseball career, reaching the major leagues from 2011 to 2018. As boys, Travis and Chase would discuss the possibility of playing together or against each other in the major leagues, a dream that came true as both reached MLB. Their childhood conversations became reality as the brothers faced each other multiple times during their respective big league careers. D’Arnaud is of partial Filipino descent through his mother Marita.
Personal Life
In November 2017, d’Arnaud married Britney Cobian at a location near Lake Tahoe. The couple has built a family together with three children. Their daughter was born in November 2018, their son was born in August 2021, and another child was born in 2024. D’Arnaud returned from paternity list for the birth of his third child on September 12, 2024. Despite the demands of a professional baseball career spanning over a decade, d’Arnaud has maintained a strong family foundation with his wife and children.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked d’Arnaud’s first full year with the Los Angeles Angels after signing his two-year, $12 million contract in November 2024. As the starting catcher for the Angels, he appeared in 69 games while handling a pitching staff in his first season with a new organization. His offensive numbers dipped during this transition period, with a batting average of .197, six home runs, and 21 RBIs. The adjustment to a new team, city, and league division presented challenges, but d’Arnaud’s experience from playing for five different MLB organizations helped him navigate the transition.
His work behind the plate remained solid as he guided the Angels’ pitching staff through the rigors of a major league season. The Angels organization valued his veteran presence and leadership qualities as they developed their roster around younger talent. His contract through 2026 provided the team with stability at the catcher position for the foreseeable future.
The outlook for d’Arnaud’s career with the Angels remained positive as he worked to establish chemistry with the pitching staff and contribute more offensively. His career track record demonstrated his ability to bounce back from challenging seasons, and his experience as a former World Series champion and Silver Slugger Award winner provided him with the confidence to return to form. His 2026 season was interrupted by a foot injury, but his continued presence in the Angels’ plans indicated the organization’s belief in his abilities as a professional catcher at the major league level.