The Atlanta Braves are heading into the 2026 season looking to bounce back after failing to reach the MLB playoffs this year. While the entire roster is focused on rebounding, one player in particular will be under the spotlight: catcher Sean Murphy.

The 31-year-old veteran will enter the season recovering from surgery to repair a right hip labral tear suffered in September.

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Murphy struggled down the stretch for Atlanta, but he hopes the procedure will help him regain the form he showed during his first year with the Braves, when he earned an All-Star selection. Last season, he appeared in 94 games and posted a .199 batting average, .300 on-base percentage, .709 OPS, 16 home runs and 45 RBIs.

However, according to a report from MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Saturday, Murphy is potentially a candidate to be moved from the Braves via trade, perhaps to address other areas of need on the roster.

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Feinsand wrote, “Given the dearth of catching options on the free agent market, the Braves – who also have reigning NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin – could receive interest in Murphy, who is under club control for three more years at $45 million. Murphy has been dealing with a hip injury for the past two years that has impacted his performance at the plate, but he remains a top defender behind the plate.”

The main reason Murphy’s future in Atlanta is uncertain is the emergence of Drake Baldwin, the organization’s rookie left-handed catcher who broke out last season. Baldwin is younger, more durable and gives the Braves confidence at the position. With both catchers on the roster, the team is often forced to use the designated hitter spot on one of them, limiting flexibility.

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As a result, there is not a pressing need for Murphy, and moving his contract could free up payroll for additional free-agent moves while also bringing back a respectable return.

Murphy’s career adds further context to his situation. He was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft and spent four seasons with the organization before being traded to Atlanta. During his time in Oakland, he established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive catchers, highlighted by winning a Gold Glove Award. Over the past three years with the Braves, he has continued to provide steady defense.

Still, injuries have begun to impact his production, raising questions about how much longer he will remain a fixture behind the plate. Ultimately, whether Atlanta keeps him or moves him, Murphy’s future will be a key storyline in shaping the Braves’ 2026 campaign.

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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Nov 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.