Overview
- MLB.com's Mark Bowman reported Murphy is likely to miss Opening Day as he continues recovery from a 2025 right hip labral surgery.
- Teams are unlikely to pay full value for a catcher coming off major surgery, and Atlanta has treated Murphy as a long-term piece after a six-year, $73 million extension signed in 2022.
- With Murphy sidelined to open 2026, the Braves may lean on reigning NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin, who produced 19 home runs and 80 RBIs last season.
- Opinion coverage argues Murphy is a logical trade candidate to address the Braves’ need for controllable starting pitching, though his health status complicates any pre–spring training deal.
- Battery Power detailed internal options and remaining free-agent catchers for short-term coverage, underscoring that Atlanta has stopgap choices if Murphy is not ready for Opening Day.