The MLB offseason has officially kicked into gear, ushering in the always-chaotic hot stove period where front offices across the league begin reshaping their rosters. With free agency underway and multiple trades already being finalized, the baseball world is buzzing with speculation. As discussions heat up and executives explore every possible avenue to improve their clubs, the rumor mill has naturally become flooded with reports, theories, and projections about which players could be switching uniforms next.
Amid all the noise and early movement, one situation drawing attention is in Atlanta, where the Braves may soon face a difficult dilemma involving catcher Sean Murphy. Not long ago, Murphy was considered one of the premier catchers in the National League—a steady defensive force and former All-Star with a strong reputation for working with pitchers.
Atlanta traded significant assets to acquire him, anticipating he would anchor the position for years. However, baseball changes quickly, and the organization suddenly has a new factor to weigh when deciding its future behind the plate.
That new variable is Drake Baldwin, who took the league by storm in 2025 and was awarded the National League Rookie of the Year. Baldwin’s emergence has changed the dynamics of Atlanta’s catching situation in a dramatic way.
His breakout season did more than establish him as a rising star; it convinced many observers that he has the talent, maturity, and long-term upside to become the team’s everyday catcher. With his strong approach at the plate, rapid defensive improvements, and seamless transition into handling a big-league pitching staff, Baldwin has positioned himself as a cornerstone player for the franchise.
Because of Baldwin’s rise, the Braves must now evaluate what role remains for Sean Murphy. While Murphy still brings value—both in his veteran experience and in his defensive skills—the Braves may find it challenging to justify significant playing time or financial commitment to him if Baldwin is expected to take over as their primary backstop. Carrying two starting-caliber catchers is a luxury few teams maintain, especially when other areas of the roster may require additional investments.
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This situation naturally fuels speculation that Murphy could become a potential trade candidate. Atlanta has a history of making bold, proactive moves, and if the front office believes Baldwin is ready to lead the catching corps full-time, they may explore ways to convert Murphy’s value into pitching help, bench depth, or other roster pieces.
Teams around the league in need of a high-quality defensive catcher would undoubtedly inquire, making Murphy one of the more intriguing names to watch as the offseason continues.
Ultimately, the Braves are entering a defining moment for their catching situation. Baldwin’s rise gives them an exciting young building block, but it also forces a significant decision regarding Murphy’s future. Whether Atlanta chooses to keep both players or shift direction by moving Murphy, the situation will be one of the more compelling storylines of this year’s hot stove season.
Will the Braves Trade Sean Murphy?
One of the most significant questions facing the Atlanta Braves this offseason revolves around their approach to the trade market. The organization has multiple players signed to sizeable, long-term contracts, and this winter may provide a chance to create financial flexibility by moving one of them. As trade chatter intensifies around the league, the Braves find themselves at the center of speculation — especially regarding their catching situation.
MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand recently highlighted a prominent name who could be on the move for Atlanta: Sean Murphy. In his analysis, Feinsand identified Murphy as the Braves’ most likely trade candidate this offseason.
His reasoning stems largely from the scarcity of dependable catchers available in free agency. With so few quality options on the open market, teams in need of a starting catcher may feel pressure to explore the trade route, which could give Atlanta significant leverage.
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Feinsand noted that the Braves are uniquely positioned because they also have Drake Baldwin, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year. Baldwin’s rapid emergence has made him a realistic option to assume the primary catching duties moving forward.
With Baldwin showing he can handle the role, the Braves may be more willing to listen to offers for Murphy. The veteran backstop is under contract for three more seasons at a manageable $45 million total, a deal that could appeal to teams searching for long-term stability behind the plate.
Despite his value, there are concerns to consider. Murphy has battled a hip issue for the last two seasons, a lingering problem that has clearly affected his offensive production. Though the injury has hindered his performance at the plate, he continues to be regarded as one of the sport’s premier defensive catchers. His receiving skills, game-calling, and ability to control opposing baserunners remain standout traits, ensuring that he still carries substantial appeal to teams that prioritize defense and experience.
Trade rumors involving Murphy initially surfaced during the July trade deadline, but Atlanta ultimately chose not to move him. Now, however, the conditions surrounding the catcher market may make a deal more likely. With so few established options available to clubs in need, the Braves could benefit from heightened demand. As Feinsand suggested, the market might be shallow enough that a team makes an aggressive offer out of necessity.
Murphy’s 2025 season was a mixed bag statistically. He finished the year with a .199 batting average, a figure that reflects his struggles at the plate. Still, he contributed meaningful production in other areas. Murphy connected for 16 home runs in 94 games, showing that his power remains intact even during a down offensive year. He also posted a 98 OPS+, a respectable number for a catcher, particularly one who battled injuries throughout the season.
All of these elements combine to create a fascinating scenario for Atlanta. With Baldwin ascending, Murphy maintaining defensive excellence, and the league lacking reliable catching options, the Braves could use this offseason to explore a trade that reshapes their roster while freeing up payroll. Whether they ultimately move him or not, Sean Murphy’s future stands as one of the central storylines for the Braves this winter.
Who Could be in the Market for Sean Murphy?
Catcher is widely regarded as one of the most crucial roles in baseball, yet it remains a persistent challenge for many organizations to find reliable production from that spot. Stability behind the plate is rare, and teams lacking it often feel the impact throughout their pitching staff and offensive lineup.
Across the league, several clubs stand out as needing an upgrade at catcher, including the San Diego Padres, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Texas Rangers. Each of these franchises has dealt with inconsistency at the position in recent years, making them potential suitors for an established veteran.
Sean Murphy, currently with the Atlanta Braves, is one name who could draw interest from teams seeking a dependable option. Murphy earned an All-Star selection in 2023 and was viewed as one of the better two-way catchers in the sport at the time.
His strong performance led Atlanta to commit to him long-term, signing him to a six-year, $73 million contract shortly after acquiring him from the Oakland Athletics ahead of the 2023 season. Initially, the move was considered a win for the Braves, who value defensive excellence, game-calling, and occasional power from their catchers.
For much of his tenure in Atlanta, Murphy has provided exactly that. Over his first 274 games with the club, he launched 47 home runs—a solid power output for the position, especially given the demands of catching every day. His defensive skills have remained a key part of his value, as he has continued to handle pitchers well and maintain above-average metrics in framing and throwing. In terms of the overall investment, the contract has largely served the Braves well.
However, concerns have begun to emerge as Murphy moves deeper into his thirties. Catchers typically experience sharper physical decline than players at other positions due to the constant wear and tear, and Murphy appears to be entering that phase of his career.
He has now posted consecutive seasons with a batting average below .200, falling under the well-known Mendoza Line in both campaigns. While he still offers pop and defensive competence, the drop in consistent offensive production raises questions about how much longer he can perform at the level the Braves expected when they signed him.
Despite those concerns, Murphy remains a player who could help several clubs in need of a veteran presence. BaseballReference.com projects him to hit .222 in 2026 with 17 home runs and 50 RBIs. Those numbers, while not elite, are still quite respectable for a catcher, especially one capable of steady defense and handling a pitching staff effectively. For teams that lack depth at the position or are seeking a stopgap option while their prospects develop, those projected contributions carry real value.
Because of that, it would not be surprising to see interested teams reach out to the Braves’ front office to gauge the availability of Murphy. With organizations like the Padres, Rays, and Rangers searching for stability behind the plate, Murphy could draw trade inquiries, providing Atlanta with an opportunity to explore roster flexibility or recoup value while his contract remains manageable and his skill set still appeals to catcher-needy teams.
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