The Atlanta Braves are facing a pivotal offseason after their disappointing 2024 campaign, and one of their biggest decisions involves the catcher position. With Sean Murphy struggling through an injury-plagued season and rookie Drake Baldwin emerging as a legitimate option, the organization has some tough choices ahead.
Murphy’s situation is particularly complex. The Braves committed big money to him before the 2023 season, signing him to a six-year, $73 million extension. That first year went exactly as planned – he made the All-Star team and launched 21 home runs in 108 games.
But 2024 told a different story.
Murphy hit just .199 with 16 home runs across 94 games, numbers that would be concerning for any catcher, let alone one making his kind of money. The context matters, though – the team revealed after the season that he’d been dealing with injuries for much of the year.
That’s where Baldwin comes in. The rookie had the kind of season that’s got people talking about him as a potential NL Rookie of the Year candidate. Not bad for a guy who wasn’t expected to make this kind of impact so quickly.
Now the Braves have to figure out how to handle both players. You could make the case for using one as a designated hitter, but after such a rough season, Alex Anthopoulos might want to pursue bigger bats in free agency instead. That would leave Murphy and Baldwin competing for playing time behind the plate.
The money complicates everything. Murphy’s still owed significant dollars on that extension, and if his performance doesn’t bounce back, that contract could become a burden rather than an asset.
There’s always the trade route. Murphy’s value has taken a hit because of the injuries and poor offensive numbers, but he’s still a quality defensive catcher with power potential. Some team might see him as a buy-low candidate who could bounce back in a new environment.
What makes this interesting is the Braves do have solid pieces elsewhere. Matt Olson anchors first base, Ronald Acuña Jr. provides elite production in right field, and a healthy Austin Riley gives them a strong core. But the catcher position remains unsettled, and that’s not ideal for a team looking to compete in the competitive NL East.
The way I see it, the Braves need to decide whether they believe Murphy can return to his 2023 form or if Baldwin’s emergence makes the veteran expendable. It’s a decision that could shape their 2025 season and beyond.
