Sean Murphy once again dealt raw deal with Braves

Sean Murphy has once again been dealt a raw deal with the Braves. Last year, it was an oblique strain, a struggling offense, and Travis d’Arnaud. This year, it’s Drake Baldwin.

When the club initially traded William Contreras and several other prospects for Sean Murphy, it was met with skepticism. After all, Wild Bill had emerged as one of the most feared backstops in the game, even if he did leave something to be desired behind the plate.

Murphy squashed all concerns. The veteran backstop put together an All-Star campaign in his first season with the Braves, finishing with a 127 OPS+, which was in line with his final season in Oakland. Then, in 2024, Murphy strained his oblique on Opening Day.

Murphy sat on the shelf for two months before returning. Once he did, he struggled to find rhythm because Brian Snitker had no option but to play Travis d’Arnaud. After all, he was more productive with the bat, and the offense needed every bit of it.

It culminated in Murphy playing just 72 games and posting a 76 OPS+, which was 32% lower than his career average up to that point. Many Braves fans were ready to ship him out of Atlanta, but it was just an unfortunate situation in 2024.

2025 isn’t being too kind either. It started when Murphy got belted with a fastball in Spring Training, cracking a rib. It poured even more gasoline on the fire, but the difference between this season and last is Sean Murphy’s production.

The All-Star has belted seven home runs, giving him a .839 OPS, and he’s playing Gold Glove defense, giving Atlanta’s pitching staff more than just about any other backstop. Unfortunately, Drake Baldwin has been even better with the stick.

Including Thursday’s performance, Baldwin is slashing a ridiculous .360/.407/.573 with four home runs. That is good for a 171 OPS+, which forces Snitker’s hand again.

Baldwin’s performance is quickly turning things into a 50/50 split. The Braves skipper said, “he’ll juggle the catchers from series to series, based on matchups, who’s hot, etc.”

Many expected Sean Murphy to garner 100-115 games behind the plate, and he’s done nothing to deserve anything less. For goodness ' sake, he’s got a 136 OPS+, but Drake Baldwin can’t just sit on the bench with a .981 OPS either.

It’s a good problem to have and a luxury Braves fans should recognize, but we can all acknowledge Murphy has been dealt another raw deal.