ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Atlanta Braves struck a late-night trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, acquiring catcher Joey Bart in exchange for right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton.
To make room on the roster, Atlanta designated veteran catcher Sandy León for assignment. The 38-year-old batted .091 with a .182 OPS across 44 plate appearances this season.
Bart, a product of Buford High School, is returning home to serve as the Braves’ backup catcher behind Drake Baldwin. The former Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets standout has yet to fully meet the lofty expectations that accompanied his selection by the San Francisco Giants with the second overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft.
Before landing on the injured list with a left foot infection last month, Bart hit .259 with two home runs and a .669 OPS in 62 plate appearances.
Atlanta activated Bart from the injured list Friday ahead of its three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. During his rehab assignment with Indianapolis Indians, Bart went 6-for-17 with two doubles and a home run.
Bart will become the eighth catcher the Braves have used this season, setting a franchise record. He joins Drake Baldwin, Jonah Heim, Sean Murphy, Sandy León, Chadwick Tromp, Austin Wynns and Jair Camargo on that list.
The previous franchise mark of seven catchers used in a season was established in 1929 and matched again in 2021.
Stratton appeared in 13 games for Atlanta over the past two seasons, including one this year, and posted a 2.08 ERA during his time with the organization.
Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.