Braves Predicted to Part Ways with $1.25M Gold Glove Winner After Key Returnees

Atlanta faces tough roster decisions as injured stars Sean Murphy and Ha-Seong Kim near comebacks.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, red, and white representing the Braves' team colors and the fractured, multi-perspective nature of the sport.The Braves' roster shuffle highlights the difficult decisions teams must make when key players return from injury.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Braves are expected to welcome back injured starters Sean Murphy and Ha-Seong Kim in the coming weeks, but their returns could lead to the departure of catcher Jonah Heim, a World Series champion and Gold Glove winner who has a $1.25 million salary.

Why it matters

The Braves have been one of the hottest teams in baseball to start the season, but their roster crunch highlights the difficult decisions teams must make when key players return from injury. Parting ways with a productive veteran like Heim could be unpopular with fans, but may be necessary to accommodate the team's long-term plans.

The details

With Murphy expected back by the end of April and Kim nearing a simulated game, the Braves will soon have to make room on their roster. Catcher Jonah Heim, who won a Gold Glove in 2022 and is set to make $1.25 million this season, is seen as the most likely player to be let go to clear a spot for the returning stars.

  • Murphy could return by the end of April.
  • Kim is nearing a simulated game this Thursday.

The players

Sean Murphy

The Braves' starting catcher, who is expected to return from injury by the end of April.

Ha-Seong Kim

The Braves' starting shortstop, who is nearing a return from a broken wrist suffered before Spring Training.

Jonah Heim

A World Series champion catcher and Gold Glove winner in 2022 who is set to make $1.25 million this season, but could be the odd man out when Murphy and Kim return.

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What they’re saying

“Once Murphy is activated, shortstop Ha-Seong Kim won't be far behind. When Kim's back, the starting lineup will once again be shuffled, which could unfortunately lead to less playing time for Dominic Smith, who has been red hot to start the season. With Kim at shortstop, and Dubón moving around the diamond, there will likely be less room for Drake Baldwin to DH as regularly as he has, meaning if Heim survives the first cut, he likely wouldn't survive the second.”

— Mitchell Barbee, Writer

What’s next

The Braves will have to make a roster move once Murphy and Kim are activated, with Jonah Heim seen as the most likely player to be let go.

The takeaway

The Braves' success this season has created a roster crunch, forcing them to make difficult decisions about parting ways with productive veterans like Jonah Heim in order to accommodate the returns of key injured players. This highlights the challenges teams face in balancing short-term needs with long-term plans.