Atlanta Braves starting catcher Sean Murphy has suffered a cracked left rib and is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks. He will miss the start of the season, and Drake Baldwin is expected to be the starting catcher. Murphy, who is 30 years old, has had bad luck with injuries. Last season, Murphy only appeared in 72 games as he dealt with an elbow and oblique injury. With Opening Day a few weeks away, Murphy will have time to recover and could return to the lineup in April. This will also give Baldwin the time he needs to prepare for the big leagues. While it is a tough break for Murphy, it opens the window of opportunity for the top prospect who’s been waiting to make his MLB debut.
Brian Snitker announced that Sean Murphy will be out 4-6 due to a cracked rib pic.twitter.com/FzQq6IxGy9
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 3, 2025
Braves Elite Backstop’s Injuries Continue This Season
Murphy’s Upside Value
Murphy spent four seasons playing for the Athletics, where he won a Gold Glove Award in 2021. He earned the award for his 10 defensive runs saved, which ranked him second among American League elite backstops. Murphy was traded from the Athletics to the Braves in 2022. The veteran catcher was looking to have a bounce-back season for the Braves following his 2024 injury-prone season. As well as showcasing how he is one of the best backstops in baseball. If Murphy does return in April, this will give him the chance to be a strong breakout candidate for this season.
Murphy’s presence in the lineup is crucial, as his high-caliber success in the position has been recognized through his elite defensive metrics. In addition, Murphy is also strong with blocking runs and has led the league in this category for the past three seasons. But aside from his elite defense, he also has showcased above-average offense. In 2023, he recorded 68 RBIs with 21 home runs. Overall, this makes him a comprehensive player. An advanced metric that makes him stand out among catchers is his fWAR. In 2022, Murphy put up a 5.0 fWAR, and in 2023, a 4.9 fWAR. In 2024, he wasn’t able to replicate the same success, and his fWAR dropped. But last season, Murphy ranked in the 97th percentile with blocks above average, according to Baseball Savant.
Baldwin’s Defensive Skills
While Baldwin is not classified as elite defensively, he’s showcased that he is decent behind the plate. Baldwin has also revamped his defense by improving his capability of throwing out runners at second base. Baldwin is 23 years old and is the best option for the Braves in terms of catching options in camp while holding the most value. He has a higher upside value compared to Curt Casali, Sandy Leon, and Chadwick Tromp. This is a golden opportunity for Baldwin to work on his defense and showcase his talent for the Braves.
Main Photo Credits: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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