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Braves lost William Contreras trade after World Series MVP, but they aren't the biggest loser

ByEric Cole
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Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) takes a photo with Brewers owner Mark Attanasio, right, and his wife Debbie Attanasio, left, after winning the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on in St.Petersburg, Florida on Oct. 28, 2026.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) takes a photo with Brewers owner Mark Attanasio, right, and his wife Debbie Attanasio, left, after winning the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on in St.Petersburg, Florida on Oct. 28, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect


In December 2022, the Atlanta Braves made a decision that would change the course of history for three franchises. The Braves decided they needed an upgrade at catcher, and they chose the A's catcher, Sean Murphy. Since the trade was struck, Murphy has battled several injuries, while the backstop that Atlanta gave up, William Contreras, thrived with the Brewers en route to being named 2026 World Series MVP.

At the time, the Braves' position was defensible. Murphy was considered one of the absolute best catchers in baseball, while Contreras was still young and had some questions about his ability to be a primary catcher. Unfortunately for Atlanta, this swap went about as badly as possible in terms of the outcome.

However, that does not mean the Braves were the biggest losers from the trade. It is easy to forget these days that the Athletics were the ones that were giving up a top trade asset in Murphy, and all they got in return for him were lumps of coal in their stocking.

Braves losing out on William Contreras is brutal, but at least they aren't the A's in this trade story

Now, this is not a defense of the Braves' return in this trade, because that ship has sailed. Atlanta clearly misjudged Contreras' value, and Murphy hasn't been able to stay healthy. In terms of winners and losers, Milwaukee was the clear winner and the Braves...were not. However, this is your reminder that it remains deeply weird that the Brewers were involved in this trade at all.

The core of the trade in question was the A's giving up Murphy and the Braves giving up Contreras and a stack of prospects. However, the Athletics apparently didn't want Contreras either. So the Brewers were enlisted as a third team to chip in speedy outfield prospect Esteury Ruiz, who the A's coveted. Not only did Milwaukee get Contreras, but they also got two relievers in Justin Yeager and Joel Payamps.

So what did the A's end up with after giving up the best player (at the time) in the deal? Honestly, pretty much nothing. Ruiz stole 67 bases for the A's in 2023, but has cratered since then and has moved on. As for all of the prospects the Braves sent to the Athletics (Kyle Muller, Freddy Tarnok, and Royber Salinas), they flamed out quickly, and none of them played in MLB last year.

So yes, watching Contreras win a ring and World Series MVP is painful, and the Braves deserve real criticism for this trade. However, the biggest losers from the trade are the A's, and it is honestly not that close, even if it is hard to see that right now.

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