According to a recent report by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Braves aren't satisfied heading into the 2025 season with their current situation at catcher. Sean Murphy suffered a spring training injury that is expected to keep the starter out for the first weeks of the season.
This leaves Atlanta looking at some combination of Chadwick Tromp, Sandy Leon, and top prospect Drake Baldwin to get the team through the first games of the season.
As exciting as Drake Baldwin is, it didn't appear the team planned to have him become a part of the Opening Day roster. Tromp and Murphy were the duo the team was expected to break spring training with, turning to Baldwin at some point in the 2025 season if the catcher's impressive development continued. This report suggests the Braves aren't comfortable with their current options and will look to add one of the top remaining options on the market.
Atlanta Would Be Wise to Sign James McCann or Yasmani Grandal to Replace Tromp
The Braves signing one of the top remaining backstops on the market isn't a deal that has to alter the team's offseason plans. Chadwick Tromp has been extremely underwhelming throughout the spring and doesn't have a reliable history at the major league level. Signing McCann or Grandal would provide needed stability until Murphy is able to return.
Allow Drake Baldwin the chance to start on the Opening Day roster with a reliable veteran option behind him in case the moment is too big. Baldwin has the chance to continue his ascent, and Atlanta has the reassurance of a reliable veteran.
Grandal spent the best season of his career with the Dodgers, consistently playing in high-leverage games. McCann lacks the same postseason experience but has been a bit more consistent and would appear to be the better fit for Atlanta.
If Baldwin were to have a breakout start to the season, you could easily move off McCann or Grandal to keep both Murphy and Baldwin. Neither contract will be more than a single season at a low cost. Considering the team's current option, it is an obvious decision to make for a team that is facing a pivotal 2025 season after three consecutive postseason first-round exits.