Braves Catcher Sidelined for Season with Hip Injury

Sean Murphy Out for Season with Hip Injury

Murphy’s Performance Decline

Before the All-Star break, Murphy excelled with a 123 wRC+ over 225 plate appearances, showcasing his power and discipline. However, his post-break performance dropped sharply to a 41 wRC+ in 112 plate appearances. Injuries, including a rib fracture and oblique strain, hampered his consistency. As a result, Murphy finished 2025 with a .199 batting average, 16 home runs, and a .709 OPS across 94 games, a disappointing follow-up to his 2023 All-Star campaign. A new report from Grand McAuley of 929 The Game states Murphy has dealt with a hip issue for the last three seasons, but did not inform the club until this week when the pain became unbearable. He’d only recently started seeking treatment. 

Murphy-Baldwin Tandem Shines

Meanwhile, the Braves relied on a catching tandem of Murphy and rookie Drake Baldwin, which proved effective early in 2025. Baldwin, Atlanta’s top catching prospect per MLB Pipeline, posted a .276/.349/.447 slash line over 333 at-bats. Their complementary skills—Murphy’s elite game-calling and Baldwin’s emerging offense—ensured defensive stability. For instance, Baldwin’s 61.9% hard-hit rate and improved framing metrics bolstered his case as a reliable starter, positioning him to take over primary catching duties for the season’s final weeks. 

Future Implications for Murphy

Sean Murphy’s injury clouds his future with Atlanta. Under contract through 2028 at $15 million annually, with a $15 million club option for 2029, his recurring injuries contrast with Baldwin’s breakout. Although Braves President Alex Anthopoulos avoided trading players with control before the 2025 deadline, Baldwin’s emergence may prompt a reevaluation. Specifically, the 24-year-old’s cost-effective contract and offensive upside could shift him into the primary role, especially if Murphy’s recovery falters.

Braves’ Playoff Hopes Long Gone

Currently, the Braves sit 12 games out of the final Wild Card spot with 21 games left, all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. Thus, Murphy’s focus shifts to recovery for his seventh MLB season and fourth with Atlanta. Meanwhile, Baldwin’s performance offers hope for 2026, potentially reshaping the Braves’ catching hierarchy. Main Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images