Braves Trade Pitch Lands Veteran Pitcher for Catcher Murphy

Atlanta's Drake Baldwin's breakout season leads to Sean Murphy becoming expendable.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves are reportedly considering trading starting catcher Sean Murphy to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for veteran pitcher Mitch Keller. The move would be driven by the emergence of Drake Baldwin, who had a breakout 2025 season and is poised to take over the everyday catcher role. With Baldwin's rise and the signing of backup Jonah Heim, Murphy has become somewhat redundant for the Braves, allowing them to address a rotation need by acquiring the durable Keller.

Why it matters

The Braves are looking to bolster their starting rotation ahead of the 2026 season, and trading Murphy for Keller would allow them to do so without disrupting their future plans at catcher. Meanwhile, the Pirates could benefit from adding Murphy's offensive production to their lineup.

The details

According to the report, the proposed trade would send Murphy from the Braves to the Pirates in exchange for Keller. The Braves feel comfortable making this move because of the emergence of Drake Baldwin, who had a breakout 2025 season and is poised to take over as the everyday catcher. The Braves also signed Jonah Heim as a backup, further reducing the need for Murphy. By trading Murphy, the Braves can address a rotation need and add a durable mid-rotation starter in Keller to stabilize their pitching staff.

  • Drake Baldwin had a breakout 2025 season.
  • The Braves signed Jonah Heim as a backup catcher in the offseason.

The players

Sean Murphy

The Braves' starting catcher, who has become somewhat redundant due to the emergence of Drake Baldwin and the signing of Jonah Heim.

Drake Baldwin

The Braves' catcher who had a breakout 2025 season, signaling he is ready to take over the starting role from Sean Murphy.

Mitch Keller

A durable mid-rotation starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who the Braves are reportedly interested in acquiring.

Jonah Heim

The Braves' new backup catcher, further reducing the need for Sean Murphy.

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What they’re saying

“By trading Murphy for Mitch Keller, the Braves can address a rotation need, adding a durable mid-rotation starter who can eat innings and stabilize the pitching staff.”

— Ryan Shea, Sports Illustrated Writer (Sports Illustrated)

The takeaway

This potential trade highlights the Braves' desire to improve their starting rotation while also recognizing the emergence of Drake Baldwin as their catcher of the future, making Sean Murphy expendable. The move could benefit both teams, with the Braves addressing a need and the Pirates adding offensive production.