Sean Murphy entered his seventh MLB season expecting to solidify his place as the Atlanta Braves’ long-term solution behind the plate. Instead, 2025 turned into the most difficult campaign of his tenure with the organization — one that raised real questions about his future in Atlanta.

Acquired during the 2022 offseason in a blockbuster three-team trade with the Oakland Athletics, Murphy arrived with high expectations. He was viewed as the franchise’s catcher of the future, a player capable of anchoring the pitching staff while providing consistent power and elite defense. Early on, he delivered flashes of exactly that, earning All-Star and Gold Glove recognition while becoming a respected leader in the clubhouse.

But baseball moves quickly, and the Braves’ long-term plans behind the plate may already be shifting.

Drake Baldwin’s rise creates new uncertainty for Sean Murphy

The emergence of Drake Baldwin has changed the conversation in Atlanta. The young catcher captured National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2025 and quickly established himself as one of the most promising talents at the position. His offensive consistency, defensive growth, and poise under pressure have made him difficult to keep out of the lineup.

With Baldwin ascending and Murphy coming off a disappointing season, speculation about Murphy’s role — and even his long-term future with the Braves — has intensified.

Still, despite the uncertainty, all signs point to Murphy remaining with Atlanta to begin the 2026 season.

Injuries and offensive struggles defined Murphy’s 2025 season

Health played a major role in Murphy’s difficult year. He appeared in only 94 games in 2025, battling through physical setbacks that ultimately required hip surgery. The procedure will also cause him to miss the start of the 2026 campaign, delaying his opportunity to reclaim a larger role.

When Murphy was on the field, his production didn’t meet the standards he set earlier in his career. The 31-year-old finished with a .199 batting average, .300 on-base percentage, and a .709 OPS. He added 16 home runs and 45 RBIs — respectable power numbers for a catcher but far from his peak performance as one of the more complete two-way backstops in baseball.

For a player once considered among the elite at his position, those numbers represented a clear step backward.

Marcell Ozuna’s departure creates new opportunities

Despite the challenges, Murphy received encouraging news this week that could help shape his role moving forward. Former Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna agreed to a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, officially ending his six-year tenure in Atlanta.

Ozuna’s departure opens up significant flexibility in the Braves’ lineup — particularly at the designated hitter spot. With that position no longer locked into a single player, Murphy now has a clearer path to regular at-bats even as Baldwin continues to handle much of the catching duties.

This development could prove critical as Murphy works his way back from injury.

Rather than immediately returning to a heavy defensive workload behind the plate, Murphy can gradually ease into action through DH appearances. That approach would allow him to rebuild confidence at the plate, manage his recovery carefully, and still contribute offensively without risking further physical setbacks.

New manager Walt Weiss gains flexibility with Braves lineup

The Braves’ managerial transition also plays a role in Murphy’s outlook. New manager Walt Weiss now has additional lineup flexibility thanks to Ozuna’s departure. He can balance playing time between Baldwin and Murphy while prioritizing both health and production.

For Weiss, the situation presents an opportunity rather than a dilemma.

Baldwin can continue developing as the primary catcher, gaining valuable experience and maintaining rhythm. Meanwhile, Murphy can focus on regaining form, splitting time between DH duties and catching assignments once fully healthy. This dual-catcher approach could strengthen Atlanta’s roster depth and provide insurance in case of injuries or slumps.

If Murphy returns to his previous All-Star level, the Braves would suddenly have one of the deepest catching situations in baseball.

Sean Murphy still offers significant value to Braves roster

Despite his recent struggles, Murphy’s overall skill set remains highly valuable. Defensively, he continues to be regarded as a strong pitch framer with a powerful arm and solid game-calling ability. His experience handling high-level pitching staffs is something young catchers often need years to develop.

Offensively, Murphy still possesses legitimate power potential. Even during a down season, he managed 16 home runs in limited action. A healthy return could easily push those numbers back into the 20-plus range, making him a dangerous lower-order bat or DH option.

For a Braves team aiming to rebound quickly and remain competitive in the National League, having a veteran with Murphy’s experience and upside could prove crucial.

2026 season could define Murphy’s future in Atlanta

While Murphy is expected to remain with the Braves to start the season, his long-term future may hinge on what happens next. A strong comeback would reestablish his value and potentially secure a continued role in Atlanta. Conversely, continued injuries or offensive struggles could accelerate a transition toward Baldwin as the undisputed catcher of the future.

For now, though, the situation appears far more optimistic than it did just weeks ago.

Ozuna’s departure has created additional lineup opportunities. The Braves’ coaching staff can manage Murphy’s recovery more carefully. And most importantly, Murphy still has time to prove he can contribute at a high level.

A fresh opportunity for redemption

Baseball careers are often defined by how players respond to adversity. For Sean Murphy, the upcoming season represents a chance to reset and reclaim his place within a championship-caliber roster.

If he can regain his health and rediscover the form that once made him one of the league’s premier catchers, Murphy could once again become a key contributor for Atlanta. The Braves don’t necessarily need him to carry the lineup — but they would benefit greatly from the balance and experience he provides.

The door is still open.

Murphy remains part of Atlanta’s plans heading into 2026, and with new opportunities emerging in the wake of offseason changes, he now has a clearer path to reestablish himself as an important piece of the Braves’ roster.