The Atlanta Braves are exploring options to address their catching situation after Sean Murphy suffered a broken rib, sidelining him for four to six weeks. With Murphy and Chadwick Tromp as the only catchers on the 40-man roster, the Braves are considering signing a veteran free agent like Yasmani Grandal or James McCann. Both players are experienced but would likely command only a modest one-year deal. The team must decide if adding a veteran is worthwhile for a short-term absence, as Tromp is out of options and would likely be cut once Murphy returns.
Another option for the Braves is promoting top catching prospect Drake Baldwin. The 24-year-old had a strong 2024 season, hitting .276/.370/.423 with 16 home runs across Double-A and Triple-A. Baldwin, who spent most of the year at Triple-A Gwinnett, is considered one of the best catching prospects in baseball. Promoting him would allow Tromp to remain in a backup role, and Baldwin could return to the minors once Murphy is healthy. The Braves could easily create a 40-man roster spot by moving Joe Jiménez to the 60-day injured list.
Grandal and McCann offer more stability but less upside. McCann, 35, spent the last two seasons as a backup in Baltimore, hitting .228/.274/.382. While his framing metrics are below average, he has a strong reputation for handling pitching staffs and threw out 23.5% of base stealers last year. Grandal, a switch-hitter, posted a .228/.304/.400 line with the Pirates in 2024. He remains an excellent pitch framer but struggled with passed balls and threw out just 8.3% of base stealers, ranking last in pop time among qualified catchers.
The Braves’ decision will likely hinge on whether they prioritize short-term stability or want to give Baldwin a chance to prove himself at the major league level. Baldwin’s promotion could provide a glimpse into the future, while Grandal or McCann would offer a safer, albeit less exciting, solution. Either way, Atlanta will need to make a move before Opening Day to address their catching depth.
As the Braves weigh their options, the situation highlights the importance of depth at the catcher position. Murphy’s injury creates an opportunity for Baldwin to showcase his potential or for a veteran like Grandal or McCann to provide steady leadership. The team’s choice could have implications for their early-season performance as they aim to remain competitive in the NL East.
