While the Atlanta Braves' offseason is already officially underway, it is worth pointing out that most offseasons don't pick up until after the league's winter meetings. The event will kick off on Dec. 7, signaling the free agent and trade markets gaining steam as teams begin to build out rosters for the 2026 season. As the Braves prepare for this shift, it is obvious that one Atlanta veteran should be placed on the trade market ahead of the winter meetings. Catcher Sean Murphy is an obvious trade chip as the Braves look to retool a failed 2025 roster.
The emergence of Drake Baldwin gives Atlanta a far cheaper option at the position, with Murphy earning a $15 million paycheck despite struggling to hit above the Mendoza line each of the past two seasons. With this in mind, it makes sense to part ways with the veteran catcher to create space to help solve issues in the infield, rotation, and bullpen.
Considering how sparingly the Braves have spent over the last two offseasons, it makes sense that the franchise is going to need to open up space. Murphy is likely to have a market based on his consistently elite defense and past offensive performances. There will be teams interested, and Atlanta can not only free up salary space but also add another piece to patch one of the current roster concerns.
Braves Front Office Must Put Sean Murphy on Market Ahead of Winter Meetings
A large part of this isn't just the money that it opens, but the fact that Baldwin's defense was far better than expected. Atlanta fans obviously want to see the talented hitter in the lineup as often as possible, and this clears a path to doing just that. It also opens up enough space to sign a viable DH option. The issue with keeping Murphy and Baldwin both in the lineup is that the veteran is often a liability at the plate. Opting to keep an automatic out doesn't make sense when there is a clear path to improving.
With this in mind, it seems extremely likely that the Braves will part ways with Murphy in the coming weeks of the offseason. It is the best path to building out the rest of the roster and keeps your salary within a reasonable range as you continue to bring in the needed pieces.
For Murphy, it would provide a clear path to starting at catcher more consistently and hopefully breathe life back into the failing offense. There isn't any downside to the move based on how Murphy has played and the current roster construction. Making sure this news is out before the winter meetings sets up a potential bidding war and ensures you get the best possible return for a piece that simply no longer fits the Atlanta roster.