Braves Reportedly Make Sean Murphy Trade Decision Amid Struggles

Newsweek

a day ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The Atlanta Braves came into the season with World Series hopes, but they've played like one of the worst teams in the league. Because of that, they're likely going to be sellers at the trade deadline.
While it's unclear how aggressively the Braves will sell, there have been a lot of rumors circulating about veteran catcher Sean Murphy being moved in the coming days.
But ESPN's Buster Olney recently revealed that it's unlikely the Braves trade Murphy ahead of the upcoming deadline.
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 21: Sean Murphy #12 of the Atlanta Braves bats in the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Truist Park on July 21, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 21: Sean Murphy #12 of the Atlanta Braves bats in the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Truist Park on July 21, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Matthew Grimes Jr./"Sean Murphy's name has been tossed around in trade speculation, but according to sources, he is not available," Olney wrote in a post to Twitter/X on Tuesday. "He's playing well this year, and he'll be playing under a high-value contract for the next three seasons -- $15 million a year 2026-2028, plus a team option in '29. And the Braves are well set up with the right-handed hitting Murphy and the left-handed hitting Drake Baldwin, perhaps sharing the catching and DH spots into the future."
The entire idea of trading Murphy seems to have stemmed from the emergence of prospect catcher Drake Baldwin. Baldwin has been spectacular this season, but that doesn't mean the Braves need to trade Murphy.
If Murphy was on an expiring contract, it would make sense, but he's signed through 2028 at the earliest with a club option in 2029.
It's much more likely the Braves roll forward with two catchers in order to take care of Murphy and Baldwin's respective bodies.
The Braves will likely make some trades with Raisel Iglesias and Marcell Ozuna being potential trade chips, but it's unlikely they made a deal involving Murphy.
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