{"id":662920,"date":"2026-04-04T15:16:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T15:16:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/662920\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T15:16:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T15:16:19","slug":"braves-should-trade-sean-murphy-due-to-jonah-heims-affect-on-pitching-staff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/662920\/","title":{"rendered":"Braves Should Trade Sean Murphy Due to Jonah Heim’s Affect on Pitching Staff"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 27: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Jonah Heim #20 after hitting a two-run homer against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning of the home opener at Truist Park on March 27, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Atlanta Braves<\/a> might have a logjam at the catcher position. Drake Badlwin has emerged as the clear starter, but Jonah Heim<\/a> has emerged as a strong pitch caller, framer, and all-around great defensive catcher who is clearly affecting the Braves\u2019 pitching staff.<\/p>\n

However, Sean Murphy<\/a> is continuing to work his way back from a hip injury and could return soon, but that would leave the Braves at a crossroads. The best option for the Braves might be to keep Jonah Heim and offload Sean Murphy, since Heim is a much cheaper option.<\/p>\n

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GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA \u2013 MARCH 27: Jonah Heim #20 of the Atlanta Braves bats against the Kansas City Royals<\/a> during the fourth inning of the home opener at Truist Park on March 27, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

More MLB on Heavy: Mets Agree to Deal with Longtime Braves Pitcher<\/a><\/p>\n

Jonah Heim is Leading the Braves\u2019 Pitching Staff to Victory (ies)<\/p>\n

If it\u2019s not broken, does it need to be fixed?<\/p>\n

According to SleeperBraves,<\/a> the Braves have 3 shutouts in their first 8 games. The last time Atlanta did that was 1993 behind Greg Maddux, Pete Smith, and John Smoltz.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe common denominator in all three of these early shutouts? Jonah Heim has been behind the dish calling the pitches.\u201d<\/p>\n

The only issue with Jonah Heim is that he\u2019s not exactly a force in the batters box. In 10 at-bats with the Braves this season, he\u2019s still searching for his first hit, home run, and RBI.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s still so early in the season, but if Atlanta keeps pitching shutouts, Heim might become undeniable as the Braves\u2019 backup, which would leave the front office with a decision to make on Sean Murphy.<\/p>\n

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GettyNORTH PORT, FLORIDA \u2013 FEBRUARY 20: Jonah Heim #20 of the Atlanta Braves poses for a photo during Spring Training photo day at CoolToday Park on February 20, 2026 in North Port, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

More MLB<\/a> on Heavy: Toronto Blue Jays Make Notable Announcement on Probable Starter in White Sox Series<\/a><\/p>\n

Will the Braves Trade Sean Murphy?
\n\"Sean<\/p>\n

GettySean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves<\/p>\n

Given the nature of the catcher position in MLB, several teams across the league could use a catcher with power upside like Sean Murphy, but the Braves no longer need his services.<\/p>\n

Murphy is tied to a six-year, $73 million contract, which would be hard to get off due to his lack of playing time in recent years.<\/p>\n

However, if Murphy does return and is productive with the bat, expect him to become the subject of trade rumors as the summer months progress.<\/p>\n

More MLB on Heavy: Dodgers-Marlins Trade Pitch Sends $56 Million Ace to Los Angeles for Three Prospects<\/a><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Braves\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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