If the Atlanta Braves are looking to make a splash in the trade market this offseason they may be forced to dangle Sean Murphy in trade talks. Quality catching is hard to find in MLB, and the Braves are lucky enough to have two under contract. Drake Baldwin is the reigning NL Rookie of the Year still in the pre-arb phase on his contract, and Murphy is still owed $45 million over the next three seasons.
The discrepancy in pay between the two Atlanta backstops, and holes elsewhere on the Braves’ roster, is a big reason why Murphy’s name keeps getting mentioned in trade rumors. Right now, this rumor is still more smoke than actual momentum. However, as the offseason moves along, don’t be surprised if other teams make a stronger pursuit for Murphy.
Keeping Murphy has it’s benefits, but Braves shouldn’t shut the door on a trade
The argument to keep Murphy grew stronger for 2026 when the DH spot opened up with Marcell Ozuna’s free agency. Keeping both Baldwin and Murphy fresh by splitting time at DH in 2026 isn’t the worst idea, but in this scenario the Braves really need to add a bat somewhere else this offseason.
Additionally, trading Sean Murphy now would certainly not classify as “selling high,” but teams could be ready to overpay for a catcher coming off a 2.0 fWAR season in just 94 games. The big wrench in this scenario is the hip surgery Murphy had in September, which could obviously make teams more hesitant to part with quality talent.
The hip surgery may be the biggest obstacle for other teams quite honestly. However, as the offseason progresses and some of the big free agent bats begin to sign, teams could become more desperate to make a splash. The winter meetings should tell us a lot, and monitoring J.T. Realmuto’s market is probably a great way to see how other teams value quality catchers.
More than half the teams in MLB failed to reach an accumulated 3.0 fWAR mark from their catchers last season, including hopeful contending teams like the Padres, Red Sox, and Phillies. If any of these teams mark a strong run at Realmuto and fail to sign him, then Murphy trade talks could really pick up some steam. At that point it will probably be the most ideal time for Alex Anthopoulos to begin fielding serious calls on Murphy.
