The San Diego Padres have a few clear needs on their big-league roster. With the 2025 season in danger of slipping away, the Padres and A.J. Preller need to make a move at two positions. While left field is a huge need, catcher is arguably more important.
Elias Diaz and Martin Maldanado aren't nearly good enough, especially on offense. With the team likely scouring the market, there aren't many good options available for trade. And after a report from Ken Rosenthal in The Athletic, one of their top options is off the board.
"The Atlanta Braves' Sean Murphy is another catcher who is unlikely to move," Rosenthal writes, "Even with the emergence of rookie Drake Baldwin and the injury to right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach."
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Landing a starting catcher in the trade market will be very challenging for the Padres. But, Murphy from the Braves would be a great option, and all conventional signs point towards him being a trade target.
The Braves are struggling, sitting significantly behind the field for the NL Wild Card and the NL East race. They are also dealing with a litany of injuries, especially in the starting rotation. Baldwin, a rookie catcher, is thriving. Trading Murphy would allow Baldwin to get more opportunities in a breakout rookie campaign.
But, according to Rosenthal, the Braves aren't planning to make a move. It's a tough blow, as all signs point towards Murphy being available and being the top option for the Padres at catcher.
While the Braves could still trade Murphy, Rosenthal reports it's more likely to happen in the offseason. San Diego is missing out on a top catcher trade target based on this report, and for the time being, will be stuck with Maldanado and Diaz manning the catcher spot.
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