🚨 SHOCKING TRADE TALK: Braves Should Move Sean Murphy After Jonah Heim’s Impact on Pitching Staff — Could This Be the Right Call? 👇 Braves’ Bold Move: Sean Murphy’s Trade Potential Rises After Heim’s Influence on Pitching — What This Could Mean for Atlanta’s Future.

Braves Should Trade Sean Murphy Due to Jonah Heim's Effect on Pitching Staff

Getty

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 27: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Jonah Heim #20 after hitting a two-run homer against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning of the home opener at Truist Park on March 27, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Braves might have a logjam at the catcher position. Drake Badlwin has emerged as the clear starter, but Jonah Heim has emerged as a strong pitch caller, framer, and all-around great defensive catcher who is clearly affecting the Braves’ pitching staff.

However, Sean Murphy is continuing to work his way back from a hip injury and could return soon, but that would leave the Braves at a crossroads. The best option for the Braves might be to keep Jonah Heim and offload Sean Murphy, since Heim is a much cheaper option.

GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 27: Jonah Heim #20 of the Atlanta Braves bats against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning of the home opener at Truist Park on March 27, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

More MLB on Heavy: Mets Agree to Deal with Longtime Braves Pitcher

Jonah Heim is Leading the Braves’ Pitching Staff to Victory (ies)

If it’s not broken, does it need to be fixed?

According to SleeperBraves, the Braves have 3 shutouts in their first 8 games. The last time Atlanta did that was 1993 behind Greg Maddux, Pete Smith, and John Smoltz.

“The common denominator in all three of these early shutouts? Jonah Heim has been behind the dish calling the pitches.”

The only issue with Jonah Heim is that he’s not exactly a force in the batters box. In 10 at-bats with the Braves this season, he’s still searching for his first hit, home run, and RBI.

It’s still so early in the season, but if Atlanta keeps pitching shutouts, Heim might become undeniable as the Braves’ backup, which would leave the front office with a decision to make on Sean Murphy.

GettyNORTH PORT, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 20: Jonah Heim #20 of the Atlanta Braves poses for a photo during Spring Training photo day at CoolToday Park on February 20, 2026 in North Port, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

More MLB on Heavy: Toronto Blue Jays Make Notable Announcement on Probable Starter in White Sox Series

Will the Braves Trade Sean Murphy?

GettySean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves

Given the nature of the catcher position in MLB, several teams across the league could use a catcher with power upside like Sean Murphy, but the Braves no longer need his services.

Murphy is tied to a six-year, $73 million contract, which would be hard to get off due to his lack of playing time in recent years.

However, if Murphy does return and is productive with the bat, expect him to become the subject of trade rumors as the summer months progress.

More MLB on Heavy: Dodgers-Marlins Trade Pitch Sends $56 Million Ace to Los Angeles for Three Prospects