Athletics–Braves Move Keeps MLB’s Early Trade Activity Going
The early-season trade chatter around Major League Baseball continued Monday as the Athletics added catcher Jonah Heim in another low-profile deal.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Atlanta sent Heim to Oakland in exchange for cash considerations after designating him for assignment when catcher Sean Murphy was activated from the injured list.
Heim is no stranger to the Athletics organization. He made his MLB debut with Oakland in 2020, appearing in 13 games before later spending five seasons with the Texas Rangers. During his time in Texas, he developed into an All-Star in 2023, when he hit .258 with 18 home runs, 95 RBIs, and also earned a Gold Glove Award. He joined the Braves before the 2026 season and played 12 games for them before Monday’s move.
Quiet Deal Part of a Busy Early Market
The Heim trade is one of several smaller moves already made across the league this season. Recent examples include Seattle sending Casey Legumina to Tampa Bay, the Cubs acquiring Nicky Lopez from Colorado, the Yankees trading for Wilmy Sanchez from Houston, and the White Sox landing Jordan Rich from Toronto, among others.
Phillies executive Dave Dombrowski recently noted that trade discussions began earlier than usual this year, signaling increased early-season activity. While no major blockbuster has surfaced yet, teams are clearly exploring ways to strengthen their rosters ahead of the season’s stretch run.
Oakland, currently 18–16 and leading the AL West, already relies heavily on catcher Shea Langeliers, who has been producing at an elite level offensively. Even so, the addition of Heim gives the club experienced depth behind the plate.
With it still early May, more moves are expected in the coming months, and these early transactions could be a preview of a more active trade deadline period ahead.
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