ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Braves are reportedly facing a stunning internal decision as former All-Star catcher Sean Murphy has been named the team’s top trade candidate this offseason, sparking rumors of a move that could shake up the entire MLB landscape.1
Murphy, who signed a six-year, $73 million contract before the 2023 season, remains a top defensive catcher under control through 2028.2 However, his future in Atlanta has been complicated by the emergence of the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, Drake Baldwin.3
The Catching Conundrum: Murphy vs. Baldwin
The logic behind trading an All-Star like Murphy, a move President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos would typically avoid, is driven by the team’s depth and a need to address glaring holes elsewhere on the roster:
- The Successor: Catcher Drake Baldwin had a sensational 2025 season, winning the NL Rookie of the Year award.4 His success leads many within the organization to believe he is the Braves’ primary catcher of the future.
- The Performance Dip: Murphy’s offense has declined since his 2023 All-Star season, posting back-to-back seasons hitting below the Mendoza Line (5$.200$), including a 6$.199$ average in 94 games in 2025.7 While he still hit 16 home runs, he has also been dealing with a nagging hip injury for the past two years.8
- The Money & DH Slot: With Marcell Ozuna’s Designated Hitter spot now vacant, the Braves could split time between Murphy and Baldwin at Catcher and DH. However, executives argue that the Braves could use Murphy’s remaining $45 million of salary on a top-tier bat elsewhere (like a shortstop) or acquire needed pitching depth by trading him.
The timing of this rumor is crucial. The free-agent catching market is thin, with only J.T. Realmuto and a few others available.9 This lack of supply makes a proven defender and power hitter like Murphy an incredibly valuable asset, even with his recent struggles.
- Potential Suitors: Teams in desperate need of an upgrade at catcher, such as the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, and Texas Rangers, are rumored to be exploring a trade for Murphy.10
- Braves’ Return: Alex Anthopoulos would be looking to exploit the thin market to acquire top-tier pitching prospects or a Major League-ready starting pitcher to bolster the rotation behind Spencer Strider.
The question for the Braves isn’t whether Murphy is valuable, but whether they can maximize that value now to fill a larger team need, effectively turning a position of surplus into a massive injection of needed talent elsewhere.
