The Atlanta Braves have signaled to teams ahead of the MLB trade deadline that they will be relatively passive sellers, only moving players on expiring contracts. Once the offseason arrives, though, it appears Atlanta’s front office will be open to blockbuster deals.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Braves are “expected to listen to trade offers” this winter on catcher Sean Murphy, outfielder Michael Harris and second baseman Ozzie Albies.
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Trading Murphy certainly makes the most sense from Atlanta’s perspective. National League Rookie of the Year candidate Drake Baldwin (.834 OPS) is having a breakout season behind the plate. He has proven he can be the Braves’ long-term catcher, which makes Murphy (.842 OPS) expendable at a time when other major league clubs are desperate for a catcher and few quality alternatives are available.
- Sean Murphy contract (Spotrac): $15 million annual salary (2025-2028), $15 million club option for 2029 season
Moving the veteran could also help Atlanta shed $15 million in payroll next season, if it moves him for prospects, or the All-Star catcher could be flipped to fill a position of need. Either way, Atlanta would be trading from a position of strength to improve its future outlook without taking a hit at catcher.
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Albies, a three-time All-Star selection, will turn 29 in January. While he played a key role in the Braves’ World Series title, he has a .628 OPS this season and a .238/.299/.370 triple-slash line over the last two years. While his $7 million club option for next season will almost certainly be picked up, Atlanta seems willing to make a change at second base.
- Michael Harris stats (ESPN): .211/.236/.324, .560 OPS in 355 at-bats
Harris, the NL Rookie of the Year winner in 2022, has not come close to replicating his success from his first two seasons. The 24-year-old’s OPS dropped from .808 (2023) to .722 last year and it now stands at .560 this season. Under contract through at least 2030, with club options for the following two seasons, a change of scenery might be viewed as benefiting all parties.
