SI predicts Braves trade $45M veteran after creating distrust with organization to fill major void

Hunter Cookston

•
SI predicts Braves trade $45M veteran after creating distrust with organization to fill major void image

The Atlanta Braves have made two free-agency additions on back-to-back days, and they aren’t done yet. One move solidified their outfield with the signing of veteran Mike Yastrzemski. The other brought in lights-out closer Robert Suarez, bolstering their pitching staff on all fronts.

“Between Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias, Atlanta now has two of the five relievers with the most saves over the last two seasons. With a healthy Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider, plus a full season of Hurston Waldrep, their pitching could take a huge leap,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.

Shortstop remains the biggest hole on the roster, though the Braves do have Mauricio Dubón if nothing else materializes. With the breakout of NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin last season, Sean Murphy could become a legitimate trade chip this offseason.

“That should give Anthopoulos the flexibility to trade for a shortstop—he already dealt for former Astro Mauricio Dubón last month, but he’s best in a utility role—or further upgrade the pitching staff. Murphy, who has three years and $45 million remaining on his contract, in addition to a $15 million 2029 club option, seems like the most likely candidate to be moved after Baldwin burst onto the scene last season and was named the NL Rookie of the Year. That would free up the designated hitter slot to rotate the outfielders through,” SI’s Will Laws wrote.

There may also be a level of distrust between the Braves and Murphy, as he reportedly hid an injury from the organization until the pain became nearly unbearable.

“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.

Atlanta has been linked to several notable shortstops, including Corey Seager, and the Texas Rangers are in the market for a catcher after letting Jonah Heim reach free agency.

Baldwin has proven he’s ready to be an everyday player, and not even Murphy is going to take those games from him. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops, but if the right offer comes along, there’s a real chance Murphy won’t be a Brave by Spring Training.

More MLB news:

Contributing writer

Staff Writer