The Atlanta Braves will be without catcher Sean Murphy, who is expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering a rib injury. With Murphy and Chadwick Tromp the only catchers on the 40-man roster, Atlanta faces a decision ahead of Opening Day. According Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Braves are considering bringing in one of two catchers—Yasmani Grandal or James McCann. Both players remain unsigned and could be acquired for a one-year deal worth only a few million dollars.
The Braves will need to weigh the cost of adding a veteran if Murphy’s absence is brief, especially given that Tromp is out of options and a roster move will likely be required once Murphy returns.
Braves Considering Free Agent Catchers After Sean Murphy Injury
Grandal, a switch-hitter, appeared in 72 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, hitting .228/.304/.400 over 243 plate appearances. That marked his best offensive showing since a 23-homer season with the White Sox in 2021. Known for his pitch framing, Grandal remains strong in that area. However, he struggled with passed balls, allowing five in 560 1/3 innings. He also threw out just six of 72 base stealers (8.3%) and posted the slowest pop time among 83 qualified catchers, according to Statcast.
McCann had strong seasons with the Chicago White Sox in 2019-2020. That earned him a four-year, $40.6 million contract with the New York Mets that offseason. However, his offense declined after the signing. The Mets traded him to the Baltimore Orioles in December 2022, with New York covering most of his remaining salary. Over the past two season, McCann hit .228/.274/.382 in 459 plate appearances and 134 games. Despite his struggles, McCann’s ability to handle more than just a backup role allowed the Orioles to keep Adley Rutschman in the lineup as a designated hitter.
While McCann and Grandal offer experience behind the plate, the Braves also have a high-upside option in Drake Baldwin. One of the top catching prospects in the game, Baldwin hit .276/.370/.423 with 16 homers between Double-A and Triple-A last season. He spent over half the year at Triple-A Gwinnett and will turn 24 just after Opening Day. Baldwin could debut this year, potentially earning a starting spot and allowing Tromp to remain in the backup role.
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