We are 55 games into the Atlanta Braves' season, and veteran catcher Sean Murphy remains on the shelf, managing only to appear in four games and off 14 at-bats this year. In those 14 at-bats, Murphy has hit .071 while striking out six times and appearing overmatched at the plate. This is on the heels of two seasons where the catcher failed to reach the Mendoza line and didn't play more than 94 games, missing time both years with injuries.
For a role player or a piece that isn't being paid as highly as Murphy, perhaps this is more acceptable. What sets the catcher apart is the fact that only a handful of players are earning more than Murphy's $15 million, which matches the sum the Braves owe the backstop each of the next two seasons. This is despite the fact that we are closing in on three years since Murphy has been productive at the plate or been able to stay on the field.
All of this adds up to the Braves having every reason for frustration with a catcher who is clearly overpaid and not delivering anywhere close to expectations. This introduces the thought that the team could explore escaping the deal ahead of this year's trade deadline.
Braves Should Explore Trading Sean Murphy Ahead of 2026 Trade Deadline
If Atlanta can find a team willing to take on Murphy's salary and give the catcher a chance at a reset, there is every reason to pull the trigger on the move. Adding to this case is the fact that Jonah Heim, Sandy Leon, and Chadwick Tromp all have had a more positive impact on Atlanta this season, with this trio's combined salary not reaching anywhere close to that of Murphy.
The three depth catchers combined for $3-4 million in total cost, making over $10 million less than a player who has offered as much or worse offensive production and cannot find a way to stay on the field. For the Braves, we have watched the team exercise two years of patience and are yet to be rewarded for this decision.
It is fair to wonder how much more time Atlanta might have before it becomes impossible to trade Murphy if we aren't already there. The catcher's deal cannot be escaped for two more seasons, making it a major gamble for any team willing to take on what remains of the contract.
Still, Atlanta's frustration should be high enough that they begin to explore this market and look for potential answers. Murphy simply hasn't been a viable option since the 2023 season and has given zero reason to believe that is going to change, remaining injury-prone and offensively inconsistent for three straight seasons.
Add us as a preferred source on Google