The idea of trading away Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy has to at least be a consistent conversation in the Atlanta front office. The backstop is owed $15 million this season and remains on a highly-paid deal that has been an unquestionable bust for going on three seasons. This leads to speculation as to what teams might be willing to take on the contract and the risk of adding a struggling offensive piece.
With this in mind, let's look at three potential landing spots for Murphy if the franchise does ultimately opt to part ways with the veteran. Starting with a team that both has a need at the position and doesn't shy away from spending.
1. New York Yankees
The Yankees have gotten nothing but frustration from the catcher position with Austin Wells hitting well below the Mendoza line. While Sean Murphy has faced this problem as well the veteran is more accomplished and had a solid offensive season as recently as 2023. This could lead to the Yankees talking themselves into a player that the Braves could shed onto an organization that has no qualms when it comes to spending top-dollar to solve roster concerns.
Another piece of this that could weigh in favor of a potential trade is the fact that New York is in a surprisingly heated division battle with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees need to make every possible improvement at this year's deadline, and Murphy could be just that, serving as an answer at a position that has been a consistent struggle.
2. San Diego Padres
Another franchise that is willing to spend and clearly needs help at the position. For the Braves, it is slightly less compelling to trade Murphy to a team you could face in the postseason, but it should be considered if the Padres were willing to take on a deal that simply hasn't aged as expected. Murphy has become an offensive liability for the Braves and clearly needs a change of scenery, unable to live up to the team's expectations.
For the Padres, it would be easy to talk yourself into the veteran catcher's ability defensively, and perhaps turning things around in a landing spot that doesn't offer the active comparison that Drake Baldwin invites. It is at least worth a phone call if the Braves decide to seriously explore parting ways with the catcher.
3. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals have gotten off to a surprisingly capable start and remain in the hunt for the division despite currently trailing the Milwaukee Brewers. This makes it clear that the franchise is likely to be buyers ahead of this year's deadline, and catcher is an obvious area of need. Murphy fits the defensive excellence that fans have come to expect and would offer the Cardinals a win-now move to sell the fanbase on the team's chances of a surprise finish.
For Murphy, it would be stepping into a situation with less pressure and a fanbase that is already used to getting very little from the position offensively. There is clear potential for a franchise that badly needs improvements, and for the Braves, who have every reason to want to punt on the deal.
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