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Braves make interesting roster move ahead of trade deadline

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Alex Lord | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 12:39 PM ET

With the Braves expected to be sellers and the trade deadline right around the corner, the latest roster move by the club is notable. According to the team’s official Twitter/X account, the Braves selected catcher Sandy Leon to the major league roster and designated Stuart Fairchild for assignment.

The #Braves today selected C Sandy León to the major league roster, and designated OF Stuart Fairchild for assignment.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 21, 2025

This roster move could mean several things, so let’s start with the least likely:

–The Braves are trading Sean Murphy

The Braves need a backup to Drake Baldwin, which is why they selected Leon.

–The Braves are solidifying their platoon of Murphy and Baldwin, but need insurance in the form of a veteran backup catcher as a trade for Marcell Ozuna looms.

This is the more likely reason for the roster move. The Braves are finally committed to playing both Murphy and Baldwin as the tandem has been much more productive at the plate compared to Marcell Ozuna, who is now very likely to be traded.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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