For decades, the Atlanta Braves have maintained a strong presence at the catcher’s position, a consistency that stretches from the 1990s through the early 2000s and into today. From early stalwarts like Greg Olson, Javy Lopez, and Eddie Perez to more recent names such as Brian McCann, Tyler Flowers, and A.J. Pierzynski, the Braves have consistently counted on dependable catchers. Currently, Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin form the key catching duo, continuing this tradition and providing the team with reliable options behind the plate.
This steady production from the catcher spot has been a notable constant regardless of the Braves’ overall fortunes, whether competing for championships or facing difficult seasons. The presence of Murphy and Baldwin has recently contributed to an improved offense by allowing both players to be involved in the lineup as catchers or designated hitters, a strategy that has shown promise in the early part of the season.
Why Sean Murphy’s Trade Would Signal a Shift in Braves’ Strategy
Despite some speculation about Murphy’s future with Atlanta, trading him would mark a significant change in the Braves’ competitive plans. If the team still believes its championship window remains open for 2026 and beyond, keeping Murphy—who is under contract through 2028 with a team option for 2029—makes strategic sense. Murphy’s value lies not only in his current performance but also in his longer-term team control, making him a crucial part of the Braves’ core moving forward.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com named Murphy as Atlanta’s trade candidate with the “biggest Buzz Factor,” highlighting the catcher’s solid 2025 season but also noting the depth Drake Baldwin provides behind the plate. According to Feinsand:
…Although [Murphy]’s having a solid year in 2025, the emergence of Drake Baldwin has provided depth behind the plate.
Murphy is signed through 2028 for $15 million per year with a $15 million club option for 2029, making the 30-year-old an attractive trade chip for a disappointing Atlanta team without much to sell, though that deal could also happen after the season
—Mark Feinsand, MLB.com
While a trade during the offseason remains possible, it would more likely indicate a pivot towards rebuilding rather than a straightforward swap aimed at maintaining competitiveness.
Potential Offseason Moves: Rebuilding or Retooling?
If the Braves decide to shift focus toward rebuilding or heavily retooling their roster, trading players of Murphy’s caliber alongside stars like Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II could become reality. This approach would allow Atlanta to amass prospects and develop a stronger farm system. However, any such decision would represent a clear break from maintaining their current core rather than an attempt to reconfigure it with similarly established players.
General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has often acted proactively in shaping Atlanta’s roster, and if a rebuild is on the horizon, moves will likely occur sooner rather than later. Nonetheless, the team’s commitment to retaining players under contract for upcoming seasons suggests that competitiveness is still a priority. This reinforces the notion that the Braves aim to stay in the title hunt for 2026 and the near future.
The Importance of Catcher Stability in Atlanta’s Playoff Aspirations
The catcher position is notoriously difficult to strengthen, and teams across Major League Baseball frequently struggle to find players who excel defensively and offensively. The Braves currently benefit from having not one but two of the top 10 catchers in baseball according to FanGraphs’ fWAR metric in 2025, with Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin both making significant contributions. This depth provides Atlanta an advantage few teams can match.
Looking at WAR leaders among catchers with at least 200 plate appearances, only a handful surpass one win above replacement, and the list extends down to Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman in 17th place. The Braves’ strong position at this crucial role gives them confidence in their ability to compete, reducing the immediate need to sacrifice a proven asset like Murphy in favor of uncertain prospects or a less established option.
Why Trading Sean Murphy Might Not Serve the Braves’ Goals
While trading Sean Murphy could bring a respectable return in prospects or younger players, the risk may outweigh the reward if Atlanta still views the World Series as a reachable goal. Murphy, at 30 years old, may no longer be the exact player he was in 2022 and 2023, but his established production and contract control provide stability that is difficult to replace.
The Braves’ strategy of alternating Murphy and Baldwin between catching and designated hitter roles reflects their intent to maximize offensive output without sacrificing defensive quality. Should Murphy be moved, it would likely indicate a pivot away from competing immediately and toward a longer-term rebuilding process. Given the uncertainty surrounding such a move, retaining Murphy appears to be the safer bet for an organization that has found sustained success by prioritizing players who contribute at a high level now and have controlled contracts going forward.
What the Future Holds for Atlanta’s Catcher Position and Championship Outlook
Atlanta’s catching duo in Murphy and Baldwin represents a cornerstone of their current competitive framework. Maintaining this tandem offers both defensive reliability and batting strength, which are vital components for any team targeting a World Series title. The possibility of a trade involving Murphy would almost certainly signal a shift in priorities, favoring development and rebuilding rather than contending immediately.
For 2026 and the years that follow, the Braves’ decision on Murphy will serve as a clear indicator of their intentions. If their window remains open, much of their success will depend on holding onto key contributors like Murphy rather than parting ways with established talent for uncertain returns. Until then, Sean Murphy stands as one of the most important players for the Atlanta Braves’ quest to return to championship glory.