Sean Murphy: That’s it. That’s the Post

Ok, not really. In all seriousness though, how can anyone ignore what Sean Murphy has done in Atlanta this season? Bigger bases to promote more stolen base attempts? Challenge accepted, says Murphy. He has thrown out 6 of 18 would be base stealers as of today. That’s a 25% caught stealing percentage. To put that in perspective, the league average, according to Baseball Reference, is 22% so far this season. Over his career, also according to Baseball Reference, Murphy has a 28% caught stealing percentage. The league average over that span is 24%. He’s a pretty slick fielder too. Actually, that’s an understatement. With a career .993 fielding percentage, if Sean Murphy doesn’t get you out with his glove, chances are his arm will get you. Baserunners beware.

Ok, so he’s a great defensive catcher. He handles pitchers well. If there’s a hole in his game, it has to be at the plate, right? Wrong. Spending a majority of the time in the cleanup spot in the Braves order, Murphy currently carries a .288 average with 9 homers and 32 RBI. The most impressive stat, for me at least, is 21 walks versus 29 strikeouts in 138 plate appearances. With that walk total, Murphy is set to eclipse his total from 2020, which was 24 walks in 140 plate appearances in ten fewer games. But I suppose as a catcher he ought to have a good eye at the plate. In 40 plate appearances with runners in scoring position, Murphy carries a .344 batting average with 22 RBI so far this season. Clutch, I dare say, is an understatement.

How did the Braves come by such a prolific defender, hitter, and run producer you may wonder? The Braves acquired Murphy as part of a 3-team trade with Oakland and Milwaukee on 12/12/22. The Braves sent three minor league pitchers, right-handers Freddy Tarnok & Robyer Salinas, left-hander Kyle Muller, and catcher Manny Pina to Oakland and received Murphy in return. Atlanta sent catcher William Contraras to Milwaukee along with minor league right-handed pitcher Justin Yeager. Minor league outfielder Esteury Ruiz was also dealt from Milwaukee to Oakland as part of the deal, with right-handed pitcher Joel Payamps also going to Milwaukee from Oakland.

Looking at pure numbers and without saturating this article with them, I venture to say–with a hint of admitted bias–that the Braves came out clear winners in this trade. Not only is Sean Murphy currently second in most MVP polls to teammate Ronald Acuna Jr, Murphy is 28 and under team control until 2028 with a team option for the ‘29 season. Between Murphy and Travis d’Arnaud, who recently returned behind the plate after a concussion suffered in a game against San Diego in Atlanta, it is argued in most circles that Atlanta has the best catching tandem in the game right now. Bias aside, I find that hard to argue.

Like his former Oakland teammate Matt Olson, Sean Murphy seems to have found a home in Atlanta. He is a favorite in the clubhouse and pitchers love to throw to him. He provides a big bat in the middle of the lineup and is an excellent game caller behind the plate. Did I mention the cannon attached to his right shoulder? I can’t discount what Ronald Acuna is doing this season coming off a down year after an injury, but if Sean Murphy isn’t at least in the MVP conversation if he keeps up this pace, I will have to question the very fabric of baseball analysis. It’s amazing what a difference a year–and a new city–can make.

The most heartbreaking part of the Sean Murphy trade for most Braves fans was the departure of William Contraras to Milwaukee. Much like his older brother in Chicago before landing in rival St. Louis, Contreras was beloved in Atlanta. I can’t speak for all fans, but I will miss the trumpet player playing “Narco” when William comes to the plate, as well as when he rounds the bases after sending a baseball flying into the stands. Again, I’m showing a little bias, but I rather enjoyed the rivalry between William and Edwin Diaz that stems from using the same entrance music. I guess we won’t have to worry about that this year will we (oof, too soon, Mets fans?)?

I’ve always been a big fan of William, and I think the Brewers came out well in this trade too. Of the 29 games he has started in Milwaukee, 25 have been at catcher. Much like his counterpart in Atlanta, base stealers have had little luck against Contreras, with over half of would-be base stealers falling victim to his arm. Let’s not forget what he can do with the bat. He ended his 2022 campaign with a .278 average, 20 home runs, and 45 RBI in 97 games played, landing an All-Star bid as a DH. Needless to say, the upside is huge. This trade could turn out to be a steal for the Brewers.

It goes without saying Oakland got the short end of this deal, at least in the short-term, though Ruiz has been a serviceable center fielder and leadoff man since the trade. Kyle Muller currently holds a 1-3 record with a 7.34 ERA in 8 starts in which he has given up 31 runs (all earned) on 53 hits. Walks have hurt Muller this season. He has 21 walks to go with his 27 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched. Manny Pina has recently been transferred from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL because of left wrist inflammation that flared up during a rehab assignment with the A’s Triple A ball club in Las Vegas and has yet to play in a major league game this season.

It’s obvious that there were clear winners and losers in this trade. The beauty of the game of baseball, however, is that you never know what the future holds for any player or team. Braves fans can hope that Sean Murphy continues his MVP pace. Brewer fans can look forward to baseballs leaving the ballpark and baserunners being cut down. A’s fans have young talent to look forward to soon, as well as a hopefully healthy Manny Pina. Collectively, we can all look forward to another season of the game we all love.