After a frustrating 2024 season derailed by an Opening Day injury, the Atlanta Braves and All-Star catcher Sean Murphy were hoping for a fresh start in 2025. Unfortunately, those plans have hit another snag.
Just four weeks before Opening Day, the Braves announced that Murphy has suffered a cracked rib and will be sidelined for the next four to six weeks. This setback not only rules him out for the start of the season but also opens the door for top prospect Drake Baldwin to potentially secure a spot on the 26-man roster.
**How Murphy’s Injury Impacts the Braves’ Catching Plans**
The timing of Murphy’s injury is somewhat fortunate, as it likely won’t keep him out as long as the oblique strain that sidelined him for much of 2024. However, it almost certainly guarantees he’ll miss Opening Day, forcing the Braves to adjust their catching depth.
Currently, Chadwick Tromp is the only other catcher on the 40-man roster, with Sandy Leon, Curt Casali, and Drake Baldwin in camp as non-roster invitees. This situation could create an opportunity for Baldwin, the Braves’ top catching prospect, who was initially expected to start the season in AAA to gain consistent playing time.
If the Braves decide to promote Baldwin, he could share catching duties with Tromp, handling the bulk of the workload while Murphy recovers. Alternatively, Atlanta might opt for a veteran like Leon or Casali to split time with Tromp if they believe Murphy’s absence will be brief.
**A Disappointing Setback for Murphy**
This injury is another blow for Murphy, who struggled to regain his form after returning from his oblique injury in late May 2024. Last season, he posted a career-worst .193/.284/.352 slash line (78 wRC+) and just 0.8 fWAR. Before 2024, his lowest fWAR in a season with at least 100 plate appearances was 1.6 during his rookie year, when he had nearly half the playing time.
The Braves are undoubtedly hoping this injury doesn’t linger like last year’s issue, as they need Murphy to return to the elite level of play that made him a key acquisition. For now, the focus shifts to how Atlanta will manage its catching duties in his absence and whether Baldwin or a veteran will step up to fill the void.
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