Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy's 2025 season was cut short when he was forced to undergo surgery to repair a hip tear. This made sure that for the second straight year, Murphy would end a season hitting below the Mendoza line. Such a low average hitting backstop is an issue, especially when factoring in the poor situational hitting and consistent strikeouts.
Add in the fact that the Braves are paying Murphy an annual $15 million base salary through 2029, per Spotrac, and it becomes clear that it is time to trade away the offensive frustration.
It is Time for Braves to Move on From Failing Catcher Sean Murphy
Trading Murphy away is now plausible with the emergence of Drake Baldwin. It was a truly impressive breakout rookie season, proving to be the position's future far sooner than expected. Baldwin's defense was far ahead of what was expected, and it's clear that he's ready to be the full-time starter going forward.
While trading away Murphy's salary isn't going to be easy, his enticing defense and the fact that he was a decent hitter two seasons ago could have a catcher-needy team willing to roll the dice. Moving on from Murphy would also give the Braves extra cash to spend this winter, which they can use to bolster certain positions of need.
Having the tandem of Baldwin and Murphy moving forward is solid on paper, but retaining both doesn't make sense if the Braves want to cut costs. Perhaps the 30-year-old backstop will turn things around, but there's also the possibility that he's more useful to Atlanta as a trade chip rather than an on-field contributor.
Atlanta needs to add to the bullpen, bench, middle infield, and bring in a fourth outfielder, all in the 2026 offseason. To rebuild the bullpen at the level it needs is going to be costly. This demands getting rid of pieces that aren't working to improve, and trading Murphy is one avenue to take to reach that destination.
If the Braves aren't willing to spend like contenders, it is time to part ways with Murphy and focus on the Baldwin era. The rookie's impressive offensive performance has fans wondering just how high the ceiling might be, leaving his veteran counterpart on the outside looking in..
All partnerships eventually end, and maintaining the status quo could do more harm than good if improvements aren't on the horizon. A trade would be mutually beneficial, freeing up cash for the Braves while giving Murphy a fresh start after spending the last three years in A-Town.