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, $73 million deal with the Braves in December 2022, which runs through the 2028 season and includes a $15 million club option for 2029.
While Murphy remains an elite defensive catcher, his offensive production has been inconsistent, especially after battling multiple injuries in 2025:
- 2025 Production: Murphy played 94 games, batting .199 with a .709 OPS (98 OPS+). He still managed to hit 16 home runs and drove in 45 RBIs, despite the low average.
- The Dilemma: Murphy is owed $45 million over the next three guaranteed seasons, a large commitment for a player whose role is now being challenged.
The Rookie Phenom: Drake Baldwin’s Irresistible Case
The primary factor driving the trade speculation is the undeniable success of Drake Baldwin, who captured the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 2025. Baldwin’s performance makes him a necessity in the everyday lineup:
| Player | 2025 Games (G) | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | WAR |
| Drake Baldwin | 124 | .274 | 19 | 80 | .810 | 3.3 |
| Sean Murphy | 94 | .199 | 16 | 45 | .709 | 2.4 |
Baldwin’s immediate high-level offensive production, combined with his long-term affordability and development curve, makes Murphy particularly expendable for a Braves team trying to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign.
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 remaining 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. 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 (in terms of future AAV and real cash flow) and opens up the DH spot for a dedicated power hitter, allowing the team to address its biggest offensive need with a free agent.
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.
