1 player Braves must trade before spring training

As spring training approaches, the Atlanta Braves face a quiet but consequential decision that could shape both their short-term rebound and long-term stability. After an uncharacteristic postseason absence, the organization is recalibrating with a sharper focus on durability, roster flexibility, and pitching depth. In that process, catcher Sean Murphy has emerged as the most logical trade candidate before camp opens.

The Braves enter the 2026 season determined to reestablish themselves as a National League power. While several roster questions remain unresolved, none remain larger than the starting rotation. Injuries defined Atlanta’s pitching staff throughout 2025, repeatedly forcing the club to rely on depth arms that were never intended to shoulder significant workloads. What had long been a strength quickly became a vulnerability, and correcting that imbalance is now a top priority.

General manager Alex Anthopoulos has been consistent in his public messaging and internal approach that postseason-caliber starting pitching is essential. That urgency is heightened by the lack of long-term security within the rotation. Beyond the next two seasons, only a limited number of starters are under contract, leaving Atlanta exposed if it fails to act proactively. That broader context is critical when evaluating Murphy’s place on the roster.

Murphy is currently rehabbing from right hip surgery and is expected to miss the start of the season. While the injury complicates any potential trade discussions, it also underscores the Braves’ dilemma. Last year, the former Athletics catcher attempted to play through discomfort, a decision that ultimately worsened the issue and limited his effectiveness. His offensive numbers declined, but the more concerning factor for Atlanta was availability rather than ability.

Even with the injury concerns, Murphy remains one of the most respected defensive catchers in the sport. He appeared in 94 games last season, hit 16 home runs, and continued to provide elite framing, pitch presentation, and game management. Those skills are not easily replaced, and with three years of team control remaining, Murphy still carries meaningful trade value despite the health questions attached.

The most compelling argument for a Murphy trade, however, begins behind him on the depth chart. Drake Baldwin’s emergence has fundamentally altered the Braves’ internal calculus. The reigning National League Rookie of the Year brings youth, durability, and long-term upside, and the organization now trusts him to handle everyday catching duties without hesitation.

Carrying both Murphy and Baldwin has repeatedly created roster inefficiencies. The Braves have often been forced to use the designated hitter spot defensively to keep both bats in the lineup, reducing flexibility and limiting late-game maneuverability. In a league where marginal advantages matter, that constraint has become increasingly costly.

From a roster-construction standpoint, the redundancy is no longer sustainable. Trading Murphy would free payroll, restore lineup versatility, and—most importantly—offer a path to acquiring a controllable starting pitcher capable of stabilizing the rotation. While Murphy’s leadership and defensive excellence are valued internally, the opportunity cost of retaining him has grown with Baldwin’s rise.

There is also a strategic layer that extends beyond the immediate season. Atlanta’s pitching outlook becomes increasingly uncertain after 2026, and waiting too long to address that reality risks closing the competitive window rather than extending it. Trading from a position of relative strength to shore up a long-term weakness aligns closely with Anthopoulos’ established philosophy, even if the timing feels uncomfortable.

Of course, whether a deal materializes before spring training remains uncertain. The 31-year-old’s recovery timeline may prompt some clubs to hesitate, and the Braves will not move him without securing meaningful value in return. Still, among all possible roster moves on the table, this one carries the clearest logic.

If Atlanta is serious about repairing its rotation, maximizing payroll efficiency, and positioning itself for sustained contention, Murphy stands out as the player most likely to be moved. It may not be the loudest decision the Braves make this offseason, but it could prove to be the most important.