ATLANTA, GA – The Atlanta Braves are reportedly facing a significant internal roster crunch that has fueled a Braves-Rays trade idea sending All-Star catcher Sean Murphy and his remaining $73 million contract to Tampa Bay.
The logic behind the trade hinges entirely on the rapid emergence of National League Rookie of the Year catcher Drake Baldwin, whose breakout offensive season has made the Braves’ catching position a luxury they can no longer afford to carry in a “win-now” environment.
The $73 Million All-Star: Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy, the 2023 All-Star, is the $73 million player in question. He signed a six-year deal with the Braves in 2023, which runs through the 2028 season. While an elite defensive catcher, Murphy’s offensive production has dipped significantly since his first season in Atlanta:
- 2025 Production: Murphy hit just .199 in 2025, though he still managed a respectable 16 home runs and a 98 OPS+ across 94 games.
- The Dilemma: With Drake Baldwin firmly establishing himself as a potent hitter and the likely long-term option behind the plate, the Braves risk “wasting” Murphy’s talent and contract by relegating him to a backup role or a DH platoon.
The Proposed Trade Idea
A hypothetical trade pitched by Heavy Sports suggests the Braves could offload Murphy to the Tampa Bay Rays—a team thin at the catcher position—in return for much-needed pitching depth.
- Braves Send: Catcher Sean Murphy (and his contract).
- Rays Send: Starting Pitcher Shane Baz and prospect Xavier Isaac.
Why the Braves Would Make This Deal:
- Pitching Depth: The Braves desperately need reliable starting pitching after a season plagued by injuries. Shane Baz, once a highly touted prospect, provides 160+ innings of MLB experience and could slot immediately into the back half of the rotation, offering durability the team needs.
- Roster Flexibility: Moving Murphy clears significant salary and opens up the DH spot for a dedicated power hitter, allowing the team to address its biggest offensive need with a free agent.
Why the Rays Would Make This Deal:
The Rays’ current catching depth chart is thin. Acquiring a star catcher like Murphy, who is under long-term team control, would provide a massive upgrade in both offensive and defensive stability, a move typical of the Rays’ strategy of acquiring high-value players from teams facing financial or roster crunches.
The trade idea highlights the major decision facing Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos: bet on the development of the NL Rookie of the Year, or attempt to utilize two star catchers. The consensus is that moving Murphy is the most financially sound path to addressing the team’s pitching needs.
