Braves Bolster Catching Depth: Austin Nola Signs Minor League Deal with Spring Training Invite.vc
ATLANTA — In a low-key but strategic offseason move, the Atlanta Braves have added veteran catcher Austin Nola to their organization on a minor league contract, complete with an invitation to big league Spring Training, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. The 35-year-old Nola, brother of Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola, brings six years of MLB experience and positional versatility to a catching group already anchored by Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy, providing much-needed depth ahead of the 2026 season.
Nola, who turns 36 in December, spent the 2025 season splitting time between the Colorado Rockies (14 MLB games, .184/.244/.192 slash line) and Triple-A Albuquerque, where he hit a respectable .278 with seven homers in 82 games. His MLB career highlights include a breakout 2020 with the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres (.273/.357/.468, .825 OPS), but recent years have seen limited big league action due to injuries and organizational depth. Debuting in 2019 with Seattle, Nola has appeared in 324 MLB games across parts of six seasons, primarily as a backup catcher with stints at the Padres and Mariners.
Why Nola Fits Atlanta’s Depth Needs
With Baldwin coming off a stellar rookie year (.265/.342/.452, 18 HRs) and Murphy recovering from season-ending hip surgery, the Braves’ primary catching tandem is set for now. However, Murphy’s $15M salary and injury history make him a potential trade chip this winter, especially if Atlanta prioritizes rotation upgrades like Sonny Gray. Nola steps in as a reliable reserve, offering MLB-ready experience behind Chuckie Robinson (recently added as a reserve) and amid uncertainty over Sandy Leon’s status—despite conflicting reports on his re-signing.
Nola’s value extends beyond catching: He’s logged 12 MLB games at second base, nine at third, and even two in the outfield, with his last multi-position season in 2022 (including one at first base). In Triple-A Omaha (Kansas City affiliate) earlier in 2025, he hit .245 with a .712 OPS, showing resilience despite a hitter-friendly Albuquerque boost. The Braves also carry Jason Delay and James McCann in the minors, but neither reached the majors with Atlanta in 2025.
This signing adds an intriguing NL East twist: If Nola makes the roster, he could face his brother Aaron in interleague play, fueling a sibling rivalry between the Braves and Phillies. For a team eyeing contention after a 2025 injury-riddled campaign, Nola represents low-risk insurance—potentially earning a Triple-A Gwinnett spot or even a big league call-up if injuries strike
