By Clint Thompson

It is hard not to get attached to certain players when they play for your hometown team. Whether it’s their team-first attitudes, infectious smiles when on the field or steady production, some players are more naturally fan favorites.

Atlanta Braves fans saw this for 12 years with Freddie Freeman when he played first base. You saw this with shortstop Dansby Swanson after he was traded to the Braves in 2015. We also saw this with catcher Travis d’Arnaud.

This trio were three of the team’s most popular players during their times in Atlanta. Starting in 2025, all three will be starting elsewhere.

Of course, Freeman bolted the Braves for the Dodgers following the 2021 World Series year. Swanson left in free agency for the Cubs a year later, while d’Arnaud just signed a two-year deal with the Angels. Chalk it up to the costs of doing business.

Certain players just exude likability, which was the case with d’Arnaud during his five years with the Braves. He always played with professionalism and a smile on his face. It was as if he was enjoying his time playing a kids’ game.

I can remember a game in 2022 with the Braves leading 13-3 over the Washington Nationals. d’Arnaud stepped in the batting box against outfielder Dee Strange-Gordon. It’s not unusual to see position players being utilized as pitchers in games that get out of hand, as a way to preserve the bullpen arms. What was unusual was Strange-Gordon’s 52 miles per hour pitch that floated its way to d’Arnaud’s left arm.

He collapsed to the ground as if he was just beaned by a 100 mph heater, though the smile never left his face. He jumped up, jogged to first base amid the laughter and joy from the Braves play-by-play announcers.

Look it up. It is hilarious.

But d’Arnaud wasn’t just known for being a good guy. He was a productive bat near the bottom of the Braves’ stacked lineup. He batted .321 in the COVID-shortened year of 2020. He also garnered an All-Star selection in 2022 when he batted .268 with 18 homers and 60 RBIs in just 107 games. That equates to 27 homers and 90 RBIs over a 162-game season.

But he signed a two-year $12 million contract with the Angels. I understand d’Arnaud’s willingness to sign elsewhere when he can still be productive. I understand the Braves’ willingness to let him go, especially with other needs this offseason, specifically in the starting rotation and perhaps at shortstop, and catcher Sean Murphy signed through the 2028 season.

But it’s never fun to see a player like d’Arnaud leave. He was good for the Braves and good for the Atlanta community. Good luck d’Arnaud. We will miss you.