Predictably, Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin was named National League Rookie of the Year this week after an impressive debut season. It served as a reminder of the tough offseason the Braves have ahead of them, though, as they attempt to fix a failing roster. With so many holes still needing to be plugged, Atlanta has a surprisingly high projected payroll, with the franchise already expected to be around $250 million in expected salaries.
This helps paint a picture of how difficult it is for the franchise to have a splashy offseason despite a long list of needs. If the Braves plan to make the necessary improvements, financial cuts from the payroll must be made. Bringing us back to Baldwin, who is very quickly making veteran catcher Sean Murphy increasingly expendable. The veteran is owed $15 million for the 2026 season, with a contract that could easily be moved this offseason.
As nice as it would be to have both Baldwin and Murphy on this roster, you're paying $15 million for a backstop who has struggled to hit above the Mendoza line each of the past two seasons. This is money that could go towards a DH or patching together a struggling bullpen. It isn't about what Murphy brings to the roster, but what his salary could replace due to the flexibility that Baldwin gives you.
Braves Continue Weighing Difficult Decision Between Baldwin and Murphy
The defense of Baldwin was far better than expected and not a huge drop from what Murphy gives you behind the plate. In contrast, the younger catcher is a far superior offensive source and is quickly becoming one of Atlanta's better hitters. With this in mind, there isn't a worthwhile defense for keeping both players unless the Braves are willing to have a historic payroll.
By examining the roster, it is clear that upgrades are needed in the bullpen, shortstop, and at the bottom of the rotation. This says nothing of Marcell Ozuna's impending free agency, which leaves a hole at the DH position. To put themselves back into postseason contention, the Braves will need to be willing to spend what it takes to fix these positions.
Further opening the door for the departure of Murphy, thanks to the emergence of the talented Baldwin. This might be a harder decision if the veteran backstop's offensive performance had been stronger over the last two seasons.
The lack of consistency, coupled with having an exciting young player under team control for years to come, is too obvious to ignore. Murphy should be on his way out of Atlanta as the Braves look to retool and put the franchise back on track after a lost 2025 season.