In a notable roster shuffle, the Athletics have acquired switch-hitting catcher Jonah Heim from the Braves in exchange for cash. This move connects two first-place teams looking to solidify their rosters early in the season.

Heim, who was designated for assignment after a standout performance at the plate, made room for the return of Sean Murphy from the injured list. Murphy made his season debut behind the plate for Atlanta, batting seventh against the Mariners. A 2023 All-Star and former Gold Glove winner with the Athletics in 2021, Murphy had been recovering from right hip surgery in the minors.

The Braves' catching depth runs deep, with 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin also in the mix. Baldwin entered the day hitting .315 with eight home runs, 29 RBIs, and a .909 OPS, anchoring a Braves squad that boasts the best record in baseball at 25-10.

Signed in February as a temporary fill-in, Heim posted a .231 average with one homer, eight RBIs, and a .721 OPS over 12 games with Atlanta. The 30-year-old has a storied past, having spent 2021-25 with the Rangers, where he earned All-Star and Gold Glove honors on the 2023 World Series championship team. Over his career, he's a .225 hitter with 69 home runs and a .655 OPS, and he first broke into the majors with the Athletics back in 2020 during their Oakland days.

For the Athletics, Heim joins a catching corps led by Shea Langeliers, who is off to a scorching start with a .336 average, 10 homers, 18 RBIs, and a 1.017 OPS—a key reason the club leads the AL West at 18-16. This trade adds experienced depth behind the plate as the A's look to maintain their division lead.