The Atlanta Braves have been dealt a significant early-season setback as catcher Sean Murphy is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks due to a cracked rib, meaning he will miss Opening Day. This injury is a tough blow for the team, as Murphy has been a key part of their roster both offensively and defensively.
Murphy, 30, was acquired by the Braves in a trade with the Oakland Athletics in hopes of solidifying their catching position for the long term. Shortly after the trade, Atlanta extended his contract, signing him to a six-year, $73 million deal. The move quickly paid off, as Murphy made an immediate impact, earning an All-Star selection in his first season with the Braves. His ability to manage the pitching staff and provide a strong defensive presence behind the plate made him an invaluable part of the team’s success.
While Murphy’s offensive production dipped last season—he played in just 72 games and hit .193/.284/.352 with 10 home runs and 25 RBIs—his defensive contributions were undeniable. With Murphy behind the plate, Braves pitchers recorded a 2.85 ERA over 594 innings. Without him, that number jumped to 3.93 over 849.1 innings, highlighting just how crucial his game-calling and pitch-framing abilities are to the team’s overall performance.
With Murphy out for at least the first month of the season, the Braves now face the challenge of finding a temporary replacement behind the plate. The most likely candidate is 24-year-old top catching prospect Drake Baldwin, who has impressed team officials during spring training. Baldwin has yet to make his major league debut, but the organization is eager to see what he can bring to the table. His development was a key reason the Braves allowed veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud, who was a beloved member of the team, to leave in free agency for the Los Angeles Angels.
Another factor that played into d’Arnaud’s departure was the Braves’ limited financial flexibility this offseason. Unlike previous years when Atlanta made significant roster upgrades, they remained relatively quiet in free agency, with their most notable signing being outfielder Jurickson Profar on a three-year contract. Given their current payroll situation and Murphy’s expected return within a few weeks, the team is unlikely to pursue external options at catcher.
One veteran catcher who remains available on the free-agent market is Yasmani Grandal, but reports indicate that he has yet to find a new team for the 2025 season. While adding a veteran presence could provide some stability, the Braves are more inclined to see what Baldwin can offer in Murphy’s absence rather than signing a short-term replacement.
Ultimately, despite Murphy’s injury, the Braves are expected to stay the course with their current roster. The team will rely on Baldwin and their existing depth at catcher to get through the first month of the season. If Baldwin proves to be a capable option, it could provide Atlanta with even more long-term stability at the position. However, if struggles arise, the front office may have to reconsider its approach as the season progresses.
For now, though, the Braves appear committed to their internal options and will look to weather the storm until Murphy is healthy enough to return. His absence will be felt, but the team remains confident in its ability to start the season strong despite this early challenge.
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