The Atlanta Braves are facing an unusual offseason decision following their underwhelming 2025 campaign. While they had already hinted at moving some players at the trade deadline, recent reports suggest they will explore offers for key figures including Sean Murphy, Ozzie Albies, and Michael Harris II once the offseason begins. This potential shift marks a new phase as the team reevaluates its roster moving forward.
Deadline Trades Focused on Expiring Contracts, But Offseason Could Tell a Different Story
During the recent trade deadline period, the Braves appeared ready to part ways chiefly with players holding contracts that expire this year. Veterans such as Marcell Ozuna, Raisel Iglesias, and Pierce Johnson were openly available for trade, according to trusted MLB insider Bob Nightengale. However, Nightengale’s latest update goes beyond this, revealing the Braves’ willingness to consider offers for Albies, Harris, and Murphy during the offseason as well, signaling a broader approach to roster adjustments.
Evaluating Key Players: Balancing Potential and Performance
Listening to offers for Albies, Harris, and Murphy aligns with Atlanta’s need to weigh their current struggles and future potential. Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II have both encountered difficulties at the plate across recent seasons, creating uncertainty about their immediate contributions. Sean Murphy, although a catcher approaching 31 years of age, remains valuable but may become expendable given the emergence of prospect Drake Baldwin, who is showing promise behind the plate.
This situation reflects a strategic decision point for the Braves; whether to persevere with these core players or pivot toward a partial rebuild if improvements don’t materialize in 2026. The team’s financial flexibility offers them room to strengthen squad depth without necessarily committing to a major teardown.
Trade Prospects Differ Across Players, Impacting Return Value
The Braves’ openness to offers does not guarantee trades, particularly since not all would attract equivalent returns. Murphy’s solid reputation as a catcher suggests he could command a significant package in trade discussions, whereas the market for Albies and Harris might be more modest due to their recent plate struggles. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if interest from other teams translates into serious offers during the offseason.
Offseason Strategy Will Reveal Braves’ Vision for the Future
The choices made in the coming months will shed light on whether Atlanta intends to reset its roster for a fresh start or maintain optimism toward competing for another World Series championship in the near term. While the trade deadline passed with a relatively low level of drastic moves, the offseason looms as a critical period for identifying the Braves’ long-term direction and potential roster recalibrations.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Sean Murphy lose so much weight?
A. The 2005 world champion had a gastric sleeve surgery because his weight increased a lot and it made him feel very sad. Murphy believes a doctor might have diagnosed him with depression if he had discussed his issues with them.