It has been nearly three years since the Atlanta Braves were given a consistent level of offensive production from backstop Sean Murphy. Still, there was a level of hope that the veteran's return this week would see a bit of progression in comparison to the strikeout-prone hitter Murphy has been the past two seasons.
Early results have been far from promising, with Murphy going 1/6 in his first half dozen at-bats and striking out in half of them. It looks very much like the player Murphy has been for the last two years, failing to hit above the Mendoza line and being as close to an automatic out as a big league hitter can be. Still, there was reason to wonder if the clock could be turned back to 2023 when the catcher hit .251 and drove in 68.
It was understandable that the Braves held onto Murphy in hopes this version of the catcher would show up and allow the team the ability to consistently put Drake Baldwin in the lineup at the DH spot. However, there is no denying that the first two games of Murphy's 2026 season look a lot like how things have been for the past two years.
Braves Cannot Ignore Early Warning Signs from Sean Murphy
There is every reason to wonder if the Braves could consider attempting to trade Murphy ahead of this year's trade deadline if things don't improve in the next month of the season. It is incredibly important to note here as well that it is still extremely early in the season, and a two-game sample size is far from definitive.
Still, there is no denying that Murphy again looks overmatched and doesn't appear to have any level of confidence at the plate. Atlanta at least has to consider whether or not a move could be on the table if the last two seasons are a preview of what is ahead for the backstop.
Atlanta's offensive magic in the 2026 season has been special and given fans hopes of a surprise World Series run. Murphy stepping into the lineup and instantly being a source of underwhelming production can no longer be tolerated, as Baldwin is more than capable of being the team's primary backstop.
Murphy should be considered on incredibly thin ice with the Braves taking the next month to evaluate the catcher's future. If there are no signs of offensive life, the front office should see if there is a team willing to take on the deal in what could be a simple salary dump.
As crazy as this take would've appeared to be three seasons ago, it is the reality of a veteran catcher who has spent the better part of two years as an offensive liability. If Murphy's first six at-bats are a sign that this is going to continue, Atlanta might have no choice but to turn the page.
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