The Atlanta Braves acquired catcher Joey Bart from the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-handed reliever Hunter Stratton, a trade MLB's official transaction log confirmed on June 18 and one that immediately changed both clubs' 40-man roster plans.
Atlanta also designated catcher Sandy León for assignment to open a 40-man spot. Pittsburgh, after receiving Stratton, optioned the right-hander to Triple-A Indianapolis, according to MLB's transaction feed.
Braves Add Bart To Catching Mix
Bart arrives while working back from an infection in his left foot. MLB Trade Rumors reported that he has not played in a major league game since May 9 but had been on a minor league rehab assignment for the past week.
The Braves have had to keep adjusting behind the plate since Sean Murphy broke a finger five weeks ago. Drake Baldwin returned Monday, and Bart gives Atlanta another catcher with major league experience instead of continuing with León as the backup option.
Bart, 29, was the No. 2 pick in the 2018 draft by the San Francisco Giants after playing at Georgia Tech. MLB's player records list him as a catcher from Buford, Georgia, so the move also brings him back near his college and hometown area.
Pirates Move From Bart To Stratton
The Pirates had moved Bart into a catching group with Henry Davis and Endy Rodríguez. MLB Trade Rumors reported that Rodríguez has taken the primary role, while Davis has remained tied closely to Paul Skenes after catching all 15 of Skenes' starts this season.
Bart was out of minor league options, which made a three-catcher roster difficult for Pittsburgh. Rather than expose him to waivers or keep the roster jammed, the Pirates turned him into a bullpen depth arm.
Stratton, 29, is a familiar Pittsburgh name. The Pirates drafted him in the 16th round in 2017, and MLB records list his major league debut as Sept. 5, 2023. MLB Trade Rumors reported that he has a 4.30 ERA over 52 1/3 major league innings across parts of three seasons.
León DFA Opens Atlanta Roster Spot
León's designation was the corresponding move that made room for Bart on Atlanta's 40-man roster. MLB's official log lists the transaction as a June 18 designated-for-assignment move.
Stratton had been designated for assignment by Atlanta a day earlier, so the Braves used the roster window to turn him into a catcher rather than risk losing him without a return. Pittsburgh used the same deal to add an optionable right-handed reliever to its upper-minors inventory.
The trade is not a deadline-shaking move, but it solves specific roster problems: Atlanta gets catching cover, Pittsburgh clears a catcher squeeze, and both clubs avoid leaving useful depth exposed for nothing.