Braves rumors: Atlanta Braves Considered Front Runners for Sean Murphy

In a bit of surprising off-season news, the Atlanta Braves are reportedly not just in the running for Oakland Athletic’s catcher, Sean Murphy, but they appear to be the front runners.

An interesting development considering the Braves have Travis d’Arnaud, William Contreras, and Manny Piña currently on the roster. However, Sean Murphy is one of the best catchers in baseball.

Last year, Murphy hit .250/.332/.426 18 HR, 67 R, 66 RBI, 1 SB, with a .331 wOBA and 122 wRC+. He is known as a phenomenal defender (gold glove in 2021), and that is seen as he was 6th in baseball with 8 catcher framing runs last year. He was worth 3.5 bWAR and 5.1 fWAR.

The Braves already have the depth at catcher as previously mentioned. This has led some to speculate that maybe the Braves would consider moving Piña this winter, which would also free up some salary. Something the Braves might need in order to help avoid the luxury tax.

However, it appears the Braves are looking to upgrade at the catcher position. Murphy is considered one of the best in baseball and will have three years of control.

This could also mean either d’Arnaud or Contreras would be available this winter. Maybe the Braves could consider moving Wild Bill in a subsequent move later this off-season. Perhaps for a shortstop like a Willy Adames (although it is unclear if the Brewers would move Adames).

With the addition of DH, adding a Murphy would allow the Braves to more comfortably play Contreras at DH regularly.

It is a move that not many would have predicted coming into the winter. However, the Winter Meetings appear to be heating up. Maybe a big move is on the horizon for the Braves.

**UPDATE – 7:05 PM EST**

While it does look like the Athletics could be close to dealing Sean Murphy, it appears that Feinsand was incorrect that the Braves were the frontrunners to land him.