Braves predicted to trade Sean Murphy to Brewers for $15M NL wins leader, filling major void

Hunter Cookston

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Braves predicted to trade Sean Murphy to Brewers for $15M NL wins leader, filling major void image

The Atlanta Braves still have a position of need that has yet to be addressed this offseason: the starting pitching market. The Braves struggled to keep their rotation healthy throughout the 2025 season and are looking to correct that issue in 2026. As a result, general manager Alex Anthopoulos has been actively exploring the market for a potential starter.

“We’ve explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that’s trade or signing. We’d like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game,” Anthopoulos said, noting that the team is in a good place with its current starters.

The Braves have reportedly checked in on Milwaukee Brewers starter Freddy Peralta. ATL All Day’s Nick Halden believes Atlanta could pursue a trade that would send catcher Sean Murphy to Milwaukee in exchange for Peralta.

“The reasons why the franchise might want to part ways with the defensive-minded catcher are obvious. While the Brewers have the stability of William Contreras, it makes sense for the more offensive Contreras to move into a full-time designated hitter role and Sean Murphy to serve as the starting catcher,” Halden wrote. “For Atlanta, this helps unburden an already expensive payroll and gives the struggling hitter a fresh start. Second-year catcher Drake Baldwin is the future of the team at the position.”

Another factor influencing the Braves’ willingness to move Murphy stems from last season, when he reportedly played through an injury until it became unmanageable. The situation resulted in a noticeable dip in performance and left the front office frustrated. However, the injury appears to have been a significant contributor to his struggles.

“Sean Murphy's struggles over the past month were likely influenced by the right hip ailment that will be surgically repaired later this week,” MLB.com’s Mark Bowman wrote.

The Braves are in need of a frontline starter, and Peralta would check multiple boxes. The NL wins leader brings elite stuff and postseason experience, making him an ideal fit atop Atlanta’s rotation.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to how aggressive Anthopoulos chooses to be this offseason. If he is satisfied with the current rotation, a move may not happen this winter, and the Braves could wait until the summer to address the need.

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