With over a third of the MLB season now in the books, it’s become increasingly clear just how rough things have been for the Atlanta Braves in 2025. After opening the year with an 0-7 skid, the team has struggled to recover and now sits at a disappointing 30-53, trailing the final NL Wild Card spot by eight games.
As the trade deadline looms, the Braves could be a team to watch closely—particularly when it comes to how they handle their valuable trade assets.
Sean Murphy Emerging as a Trade Candidate
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, veteran catcher Sean Murphy could be a strong trade target for teams in need—especially the Tampa Bay Rays. Bowden identified catcher as Tampa Bay’s most pressing need and pointed to Murphy as an ideal fit.
Murphy has performed well in limited action this season, but the emergence of rookie catcher Drake Baldwin may push the Braves to consider moving their veteran backstop. Baldwin, just 24, is viewed as Atlanta’s catcher of the future, and his rise could make Murphy expendable.
Bowden noted:
“The Rays have long been searching for a long-term solution at catcher and could finally land one in Sean Murphy. He’s under team control through 2029 at $15 million per year—a number that’s manageable for Tampa Bay. Atlanta could shift that salary toward adding starting pitching, and Tampa Bay could consider sending one of their pitchers in return. Murphy excels in all areas of catching—game-calling, framing, blocking, throwing—and ranks in the 79th percentile in barrel rate.”
Murphy’s offensive numbers remain solid: he’s launched 9 home runs in just 42 games and holds a .464 slugging percentage. While he’s locked in through 2029, his contract is reasonable for a full-time, productive catcher—making him attractive to potential suitors.
Sean Murphy
What Could Atlanta Get Back?
The Braves’ bullpen—especially the back end—has been a weak point this season. A possible return package from the Rays might include reliever Edwin Uceta and right-handed pitching prospect Santiago Suarez, both of whom could help shore up Atlanta’s pitching depth.
As July approaches, the Braves find themselves at a crossroads. Built to compete now and steeped in a winning culture, the front office may still believe a strong July push could put them back in the playoff hunt.
But if the team fails to rebound soon, they could pivot into sell mode. That would open the door to moving pieces like Murphy, Marcell Ozuna, or even second baseman Ozzie Albies, if the right offers come in.
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