Braves’ under the radar World Series signing signals writing on the wall for Sean Murphy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves have some tough decisions to make this offseason, with the roster likely needing a significant overhaul. One name to keep an eye on is catcher Sean Murphy, whom the Braves acquired in a blockbuster trade just a few years ago. This past season, Murphy reportedly played through an injury for an extended period — but despite that, he has already received a warning heading into the offseason.
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“Ozzie Albies and Sean Murphy are great examples of players who haven’t lived up to expectations over the last two years and still remained in the lineup. It is easy to see a new manager lacking this same patience with failing pieces. This is especially the case with players who have already been on thin ice for more than two seasons,” ATL All Day’s Nick Halden wrote.
The Braves have already taken action at the catcher position, signing a veteran backstop with a familiar name.
“The Braves have signed catcher Austin Nola to a minor league deal, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. The contract contains an invitation to Atlanta’s big league spring camp,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Mark Polishuk wrote.
Austin Nola is the brother of Phillies ace Aaron Nola — a well-known rival of Atlanta — and could play a valuable role behind the scenes. With Nola in the mix, the Braves may be signaling a willingness to move on from Murphy altogether. Nola understands his role and could serve as a solid backup while allowing Drake Baldwin to develop as the team’s everyday starter.
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“If the Braves are going to continue to start Baldwin at catcher and utilize the DH position for another impact addition, it makes sense to save money behind the young starter. Murphy is far too highly paid to be a backup and unreliable offensively to plug into the DH spot. With this in mind, Nola could be the perfect compromise,” Halden wrote.
Murphy was a major addition when he first arrived, and his debut season brought excitement to the position. But since then, he’s struggled to stay healthy and consistent. As the Braves enter a pivotal season, this move may have been quietly premeditated by the front office.
Atlanta historically resists parting with homegrown or heavily invested talent — but in this case, moving on from Murphy might be a necessary step toward reshaping the roster.
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