Braves’ “Forgotten” Prospect Owen Murphy Dominates After Tommy John; Is a 2026 Call-Up Next?.vc
The former first-round pick posted a minuscule 1.19 ERA in his 2025 return, putting him firmly back on the Braves’ radar after 2024 surgery.
ATLANTA — With the Atlanta Braves drafting a wealth of arms in recent years, it is easy for some top prospects to get lost in the shuffle. While names like Cam Caminiti and the recently arrived JR Ritchie have generated palpable excitement, one name that has flown under the radar is now forcing his way back into the conversation: former first-round pick Owen Murphy.
The Braves selected Murphy 20th overall out of high school, enamored with the elite athleticism that came from his two-way, multi-sport background. The organization always believed his future was on the mound, and Murphy was quickly on his way to being a big part of the team’s plans.
Unfortunately, that trajectory was derailed in 2024 when Murphy required Tommy John surgery. As he recovered, the buzz surrounding him faded.
A Dominant 2025 Return
Murphy returned to action this season and looked legitimately great, silencing doubts about his recovery. While it is fair to call the 2025 sample size small, the results are undeniable.
In 30.1 innings of work, Murphy posted a stellar 1.19 ERA. More impressively, he demonstrated sharp control, striking out 34 batters while issuing just six walks. Shaking off the rust from a lengthy layoff to post those numbers is atypical and has captured the attention of the front office.
What’s Next: The 2026 Outlook
As a prep arm who also dealt with minor arm issues before his elbow surgery, the Braves’ original plan was to move Murphy deliberately through the minor league system.
However, the timeline has changed. Murphy is now 22 years old and, despite the injury, has played parts of four seasons in the minors. He has already checked many of the boxes required for his development.
The next question is how careful the Braves want to be. The team’s handling of JR Ritchie’s own comeback from injury could provide a blueprint. The Braves moved Ritchie up the minor leagues quickly but were careful not to push his innings in his first full season back.
Assuming Murphy pitches well, he could follow a similar path. After a normal offseason, the right-hander could move much faster in 2026 and be in the conversation for a call-up to the majors sooner than many now think.
