Ex-Ranger Jonah Heim lands with AL West team after being DFA'd by Atlanta Braves

A former Ranger from the 2023 World Series team is back in the American League West.

After a short stint with Atlanta, Jonah Heim was designated for assignment by the Braves on Monday. The move came when Atlanta activated its starting catcher, former All-Star Sean Murphy, from the injured list. However, a team swooped in and cut a deal with the Braves before Heim could hit free agency.

The Athletics, currently in first place in the AL West, acquired Heim from Atlanta in exchange for cash considerations, the teams announced.

Welcome back to the Green & Gold, Jonah! pic.twitter.com/V4xwqH6Vpk— Athletics (@Athletics) May 5, 2026

Heim landed with Atlanta in February on a one-year deal just before spring training began as depth behind 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin while Murphy recovered from hip surgery. With Murphy back in the fold, the Braves were forced to make a move with Heim. He appeared in 12 games for Atlanta and posted a .721 OPS in 45 plate appearances with a home run and eight RBIs.

Not only is Heim back in the AL West, but he's also back with the team with which he broke into the major leagues. He made his major league debut with the Athletics, when they resided in Oakland, in 2020.

Heim was a part of the Feb. 2021 deal in which Oakland and Texas swapped Khris Davis and Elvis Andrus. He spent five seasons with the Rangers, including a 2023 campaign that saw Heim win a World Series, a Gold Glove and earn an All-Star selection, but was non-tendered after a lackluster 2025 season.

He'll now look to rediscover that All-Star form in the AL West with the very team that gave him his first shot in the big leagues.

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