LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 16: Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Chuckie Robinson (52) reacts to flying out during the MLB game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 16, 2026 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
After clinching the National League East division title, the Atlanta Braves are making preparations for another playoff run.
After sweeping the Houston Astros following Sunday’s matchup, the Braves would enter the playoffs as the National League’s No. 3 seed. But there’s still a chance for them to rise to the No. 2 seed, which would allow them to avoid a Wild Card Series and advance directly to the Division Series.
But in any case, the team is expected to carry three backstops on their initial playoff roster, with a former Los Angeles Dodgers veteran emerging as the expected choice to add some key depth at the position.
“With Drake Baldwin frequently serving as the designated hitter, the Braves will likely carry a third catcher,” Mark Bowman wrote for MLB.com, projecting that the team would add Chuckie Robinson to the postseason roster. “Kyle Farmer has recently served as the team’s emergency catcher. But Robinson or another Triple-A catcher seems like the likelier option to serve as a third catcher.”
Atlanta Braves Projected To Add Familiar Backstop To Roster After Los Angeles Dodgers Cut
Robinson has spent much of the season serving as minor-league depth, but a previous connection to Atlanta as well as the World Series favorite Dodgers makes him an intriguing candidate if the Braves decide they need a traditional third catcher.
The Braves re-signed Robinson last month after a previous stint with the team.
“Atlanta claimed him off waivers from the Dodgers last September and kept him in the organization through the end of the regular season,” Anthony Franco reported for MLB Trade Rumors. “They outrighted him at the beginning of the offseason, which allowed him to return to the Dodgers on a minor league deal.”
Robinson’s a respected veteran backstop, but his offensive production has been limited. Robinson received only brief opportunities with Los Angeles this season, going 2-for-23 across eight major league games. Across parts of four MLB seasons, he has hit just .124/.157/.176, although his Triple-A career has been considerably more productive at .264/.330/.408.
For Atlanta, his value would likely come less from his bat and more from providing another experienced catcher behind Baldwin and Murphy.
Los Angeles Dodgers Castoff Could Become Postseason Insurance For Atlanta Braves
Robinson is not the only catching option available to the Braves. Sandy Leon and Maverick Handley are also part of Atlanta’s non-roster depth at Triple-A Gwinnett, giving the organization multiple choices should an injury affect Baldwin or Murphy.
Still, Bowman’s projection specifically identifies Robinson as a likely possibility, making him a player to watch as Atlanta finalizes its postseason roster.
The Braves’ catching situation also reflects the unusual demands of their lineup. With Baldwin increasingly handling designated-hitter duties, Atlanta has more reason to carry three catchers rather than rely exclusively on an emergency option such as Farmer.
Leave a comment