The Atlanta Braves have had a strong offseason so far. With about a month remaining until Spring Training, they may be finished adding major players, but there’s still room to improve the organization strategically.
Catcher has been a long-standing weak spot for the Tampa Bay Rays. According to Ken Rosenthal, Tampa Bay recently pursued J.T. Realmuto and could still be looking for a solid backstop. Known for being active in trades, the Rays could present an opportunity for the Braves to make a move by potentially moving catcher Sean Murphy.
Braves Trade Idea: Sean Murphy
Murphy is under a six-year, $73 million contract signed in 2023, with several years still remaining. One trade scenario proposes Atlanta sending Murphy to the Rays in exchange for Griffin Jax and prospect Michael Forret. However, the Braves may need to cover a significant portion of Murphy’s remaining salary to make a deal feasible.
From a fit perspective, the trade makes sense for both teams. Atlanta has made Murphy available, and with Drake Baldwin emerging and Murphy’s injury-plagued 2025 season, the Braves may want to reduce their financial and roster burden.
For Tampa Bay, Murphy provides exactly what they need: a catcher with power. He hit 16 home runs in 2025 despite appearing in fewer than 100 games.
Murphy’s Status Heading Into 2026
From Atlanta’s side, this could be the perfect window to move Murphy before things decline further. He played just 94 games in 2025 and 72 in 2024, with last season cut short by hip surgery, which is expected to keep him out at the start of 2026. Murphy also struggled at the plate, failing to hit above .200 in the past two seasons.
With Baldwin stepping in as the everyday catcher and a DH role likely filled by either Jurickson Profar or Mike Yastrzemski, Murphy’s role may be limited. A trade could benefit him, giving him a chance to regain his 2023 All-Star form.
Even if a deal doesn’t happen this offseason, Murphy could easily become trade speculation again once the 2026 season begins.
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