Ask any Atlanta Braves fan what the biggest change that must happen in the team's current lineup is, and the answer will be predictable. It makes no sense for a struggling offense to continue to hold Drake Baldwin out of the lineup every night.
Whether this is as the designated hitter or behind the plate, the rookie is simply too talented for the team to continue to have him spend time on the bench. This, along with Atlanta's freefall through the National League standings, has set up a difficult choice the team needs to make in the next weeks of the season.
For the team to best move forward either Sean Murphy or Marcell Ozuna must be dealt. Ozuna is the easier option considering the veteran's struggles and expiring contract. Moving off the designated hitter might be the call here based on the fact you're already heading toward a likely end when the 2025 season concludes. While the market is going to be limited, you can clear a spot to bring on a backup catcher and have both Murphy and Baldwin in the lineup every night.
The Braves Face an Impossible Trade Choice
The flip side of this argument is pointing out that Ozuna is playing hurt and is an important piece of the clubhouse. The slugger brings a needed energy and, when healthy, has often been the team's driving offensive force over the last two seasons. Add in a contract for Sean Murphy that isn't aging terribly well, and the cheaper option could be to trade Murphy for a tangible return.
Dealing the catcher is going to garner you a return that is going to help set up the 2026 season as a chance to return to World Series contention. Trading Murphy gives you a real chance to improve while embracing a cheaper future with Drake Baldwin. It allows you to sit Ozuna down as well to deal with his current injury with the intention of bringing back the veteran next season fully healthy.
Regardless of what direction the team chooses to go, it is clear that a decision needs to be made. Continuing to hold Baldwin out of the lineup whatsoever is a mistake. There is an argument to be made that he is already among the team's three best hitters and unquestionably is in the top 4-5 offensive options on the current roster. While this is an exciting development, it presents a problem as well that the Atlanta front office must find a solution for in the next weeks of the season.