The exclusive report that the Atlanta Braves are “eyeing a Sean Murphy trade” is fueled by strong internal dynamics and the team’s need to fill holes elsewhere on the roster. While General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has not officially placed Murphy on the trade block, the consensus among MLB insiders is that Murphy is the team’s most likely trade candidate this offseason.
This is a bold idea that could pay off big by allowing the Braves to acquire talent at positions of greater need, but fans are rightly debating it due to Murphy’s value and contract.
The Problem: Too Many Catchers, Not Enough Pitching
The trade rumors are a direct result of the emergence of Drake Baldwin, the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year.
| Catcher | Contract/Control | 2025 Production | Role Conflict |
| Sean Murphy | Owed $45 million through 2028 | Hit 16 HR in 94 games, but struggled with a hip injury and hit below .200 for the second straight year. | High salary, coming off hip surgery. Blocks Baldwin at C. |
| Drake Baldwin | Pre-Arbitration (Cost-Controlled) | NL Rookie of the Year. Strong offensive production and better-than-expected defense. | Needs an everyday role to continue developing. |
The Braves have the “luxury” of having two starting-caliber catchers, but this creates a dilemma: they either must split time at catcher and DH (which may dilute their overall offense) or trade one to address their major needs at starting pitching and shortstop.
Why Trading Murphy Could “Pay Off Big”
- Acquire an Ace: The Braves are seeking controllable starting pitching. Trading a top-tier defensive catcher like Murphy—who is under contract through 2028 with a favorable $12.2 million AAV—is the fastest way to acquire a young, controllable starter.
- Cost Savings/Space: Moving Murphy’s $15 million salary for 2026 frees up critical payroll space to potentially sign a designated hitter (after Marcell Ozuna’s free agency) or address other areas.
- Market Demand: The free-agent catching market is thin this year. Teams like the Red Sox, Phillies, and Padres are all seeking significant upgrades behind the plate. This demand could lead one of them to “overpay” for Murphy, even with his recent injury history.
The Big Obstacle: Hip Surgery
The one major obstacle is Murphy’s hip surgery near the end of the 2025 season. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos noted that the team will have a “better idea about Murphy’s rehab in January.” Teams interested in acquiring him will want full confidence that the injury has been resolved and will not hinder his elite defense.
If his rehab goes well, the Winter Meetings in December will be the time for Anthopoulos to begin fielding serious calls for his star catcher.
