San Diego Padres Reportedly Eyeing $73 Million Former Braves All-Star Sean Murphy
SAN DIEGO, CA – The San Diego Padres are reportedly showing keen interest in acquiring former Atlanta Braves All-Star catcher Sean Murphy, according to recent reports from The Athletic. Murphy, currently under a six-year, $73 million contract with the Braves, has been a long-time target for the NL West club, with interest dating back to his time with the Oakland Athletics.
Despite earlier reports from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal suggesting that the Braves were unlikely to make Murphy available at the trade deadline, fellow Athletic reporter Dennis Lin has linked the Padres to the veteran catcher as they seek to upgrade their catching situation. San Diego’s current catchers have struggled offensively, prompting the team to actively search for an impact bat behind the plate.
Murphy, who signed his lucrative deal with the Braves after being acquired from the A’s prior to the 2023 season, has had a mixed 2025 campaign. While he has shown flashes of his power, with 16 home runs in just 199 at-bats and an .824 OPS, the emergence of top Braves prospect Drake Baldwin has reportedly led to a decrease in Murphy’s playing time. Baldwin has put up impressive numbers, batting .279 with an .830 OPS, 11 home runs, and 32 RBIs.
The Braves face a complex decision regarding Murphy. Trading him would allow them to reallocate his $15 million annual salary and clear the path for Baldwin to become the full-time starter. However, Murphy is under contract through 2028 with a club option for 2029, offering long-term stability at the position. Additionally, the Braves would need to be confident in Baldwin’s ability to manage a major league pitching staff.
For the Padres, acquiring Murphy would mean taking on a substantial contract, but their desperation for a quality catcher might make them willing to part with prospects to solidify the position for years to come. With the MLB trade deadline approaching, it remains to be seen if the Padres will make a compelling enough offer to convince the Braves to move their former All-Star.
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