The Atlanta Braves season is yet to begin, and fans are already being given flashbacks to an injury-plagued 2024 season. Catcher Sean Murphy is set to miss extensive time after suffering cracked ribs during spring training action, per The Athletic's David O'Brien. Murphy is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, meaning Opening Day and the first two weeks of the season are likely out of the question. A player Atlanta was relying on to rebound is already off to an unfortunate start.
Sean Murphy cracked a rib when hit by a pitch Friday, and the #Braves say he's expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Top prospect Drake Baldwin is likely to have opportunity to begin the season as Atlanta's starting catcher.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 3, 2025
Drake Baldwin Has Excellent Opportunity Following Sean Murphy's Unfortunate Injury
With Travis d'Arnaud departing in free agency, this leaves Atlanta with Chadwick Tromp as their current starter. The decision to allow the stability d'Arnaud brought to Atlanta to leave in free agency has already aged poorly. It seemed a safe bet to believe Murphy would rebound, and while that could still be the case, there is no denying that things are off to a rocky start.
Tromp as Atlanta's Opening Day catcher is very much on the table if the team doesn't make a move in the next two weeks. However, a more exciting and probable option could be Atlanta using the injury as a chance for top prospect Drake Baldwin.
Baldwin was already expected to make his debut at some point in the 2025 season. The catcher was viewed as part of the reasoning behind why it made sense to let d'Arnaud walk away. As frustrating as Murphy's injury might be, it serves as an opportunity for Atlanta's future to arrive sooner than expected. If Baldwin can put together a strong spring, there is zero reason not to allow the prospect the chance to start the first two weeks of the season.
In the best case scenario, the Braves find their catcher of the future and are stacked at the position. Murphy isn't expected to miss a large portion of the season and could take Tromp's roster spot if Baldwin does prove to be ready sooner than expected.
Yes, this is a blow to Atlanta that gives unfortunate flashbacks to a 2024 season marred by injuries. However, it would be short-sighted not to point out the exciting opportunity this serves up to one of the most exciting players in Atlanta's system. Injuries are opportunities, and this just gave Drake Baldwin one sooner than expected.