The Atlanta Braves have welcomed back their All-Star catcher, Sean Murphy, after he completed his rehab assignment. This move required a roster spot, and with Drake Baldwin impressing early on, Chadwick Tromp found himself as the odd man out.
Tromp has been a reliable backup catcher for the Braves whenever either Murphy or Travis d’Arnaud were injured. He’s also known for his strong presence in the clubhouse, with his great personality standing out—something that’s often noted among players from Curaçao.
In a move to make room for Murphy, Atlanta outrighted Tromp to Triple-A Gwinnett, but Tromp opted for free agency rather than accept the assignment. This was anticipated, as Tromp deserves an opportunity to play at the major league level. The Braves now have Murphy, Baldwin, James McCann, and Jason Delay in their catching depth chart.
Despite Tromp’s departure, he remained a beloved figure within the Braves organization, especially in the clubhouse. Just before being designated for assignment, Tromp made a heartwarming gesture toward a fan, Beaneater Buzz, a Braves supporter who was unable to attend Opening Day due to a family matter. Buzz shared his story online, and Tromp, showing his characteristic kindness, reached out privately to offer tickets to the game.
The gesture left a lasting impression on Beaneater Buzz, who expressed his gratitude, saying, “The humility and kindness of Chadwick Tromp was not lost on me.” It was a perfect example of the type of character the Braves value in their players, and Tromp’s positive influence will surely be missed by both the team and the fan base.
As Buzz summed up perfectly, even though Tromp might not have been a key player on the field, his impact off it was undeniable. “We see players come and go from the team every year and sometimes they lose a guy that hasn’t played a huge role on the field, but you know their absence will still leave an impact. This is one of those guys. Great human, always smiling and the pitching staff loved him. I hope he gets an MLB job somewhere.” No matter where Tromp goes, his impact will be felt—he may not be the flashiest player, but his character will make him a valuable addition wherever he lands.
