Travis d’Arnaud Bio
Travis Emmanuel d’Arnaud is an American professional baseball catcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, and Atlanta Braves. D’Arnaud made his MLB debut in 2013 and has been recognized for his skills, winning a Silver Slugger Award in 2020 and being an All-Star in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Travis d’Arnaud was born on February 10, 1989, in Long Beach, California. He grew up in a musical family; his mother, Marita, ran an after-school performing-arts center, while his father, Lance, played multiple instruments including the trumpet, piano, and trombone. D’Arnaud’s upbringing in Long Beach was heavily influenced by a vibrant baseball community, and he was a childhood fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, modeling his career after Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza. Along with his older brother, Chase, d’Arnaud often dreamed of playing in the major leagues together.
Instead of following his brother to Los Alamitos High School, d’Arnaud attended Lakewood High School, where he began attracting the attention of scouts in 2007. He graduated in 2007 and was inducted into the Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame as a Co-Athlete of the Year in 2008. Although he had committed to play college baseball for the Pepperdine Waves, he was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the supplemental first round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft, opting to sign a minor league contract instead.
Path to Baseball
D’Arnaud began his professional career with the Philadelphia Phillies’ Rookie League affiliate, the Gulf Coast League Phillies, in 2007. He played 41 games that season, posting a .241 batting average. In 2008, he moved up to the Class-A Short Season affiliate, the Williamsport Crosscutters, where he hit .309 and was selected for the mid-season All-Star game. His performance earned him a promotion to the Class-A Lakewood BlueClaws, where he continued to impress.
In 2009, d’Arnaud played the entire season with the BlueClaws, hitting 13 home runs and earning another All-Star selection. His talent caught the attention of the Toronto Blue Jays, who acquired him in a ten-player trade in 2010. D’Arnaud continued to develop his skills in the Blue Jays’ minor league system, culminating in a standout 2011 season with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, where he hit .311 and was named the Eastern League’s Most Valuable Player.
Travis d’Arnaud Career
Early Career (2013-2019)
D’Arnaud made his MLB debut with the New York Mets on August 17, 2013. His first notable hit came on August 20 against the Atlanta Braves, and he hit his first Major League home run on August 25. In his rookie season, he played 31 games, batting .202. Despite facing injuries in subsequent seasons, d’Arnaud showed promise, finishing the 2014 season with a .242 batting average and 13 home runs.
In 2016, d’Arnaud began the season as the Mets’ starting catcher but faced injuries that limited his playing time. He was designated for assignment in April 2019 and subsequently signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he appeared in just one game before being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Breakthrough (2020-2024)
In 2020, d’Arnaud signed a two-year contract with the Atlanta Braves. That season marked his breakout year, as he batted .321 and won the Silver Slugger Award as the best offensive catcher in the National League. He played a crucial role in the Braves’ 2021 World Series championship, contributing with a home run in the postseason.
In 2022, d’Arnaud earned his first All-Star selection, finishing the season with a .268 batting average, 18 home runs, and 60 RBIs. He continued to excel in 2023, hitting his 100th career home run and signing a contract extension with the Braves. As of 2025, d’Arnaud has signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels, furthering his career in Major League Baseball.
Notable Works and Milestones
Travis d’Arnaud’s career highlights include being named an All-Star in 2022, winning the Silver Slugger Award in 2020, and being a member of the 2021 World Series champion Atlanta Braves. His consistent performance has solidified his reputation as a skilled catcher in the league.
Travis d’Arnaud Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Travis d’Arnaud has received several nominations, including recognition for his performance in the All-Star Game and various minor league accolades during his development years.
Travis d’Arnaud Awards Won
Travis d’Arnaud has won multiple awards, including the Silver Slugger Award in 2020, which recognizes the best offensive players at each position.
Travis d’Arnaud Family
Travis d’Arnaud is married to Britney Cobian, and the couple has three children. Their daughter was born in 2018, their son in 2021, and they welcomed another child in 2024.
Personal Life
Travis d’Arnaud is the son of Lance and Marita d’Arnaud. He has an older brother, Chase d’Arnaud, who also played in Major League Baseball. D’Arnaud is of partial Filipino descent on his mother’s side. He married Britney Cobian in November 2017, and the family resides in California.