Braves’ Options if Sean Murphy Misses 2026 Opening Day

The Atlanta Braves head into the 2026 season with a big question mark at one of their most important positions. Their starting catcher’s lingering injury has everyone wondering about depth, recovery, and whether the front office might make a move before Opening Day.

Sean Murphy’s season-ending right hip surgery last September caught a lot of folks off guard. The injury had gotten worse over time, which makes you wonder how long it went unchecked and if the Braves could have stepped in sooner.

Now, everyone’s focused on whether Murphy will be ready for Opening Day 2026. MLB insider Mark Bowman says there’s real concern he might not make it back in time. The team hasn’t set a timeline, and there’s a real chance he misses the start of the season, which leaves a hole behind the plate.

Hip surgeries are tough for catchers, no question. The job’s brutal on the body. Murphy’s rehab will shape Atlanta’s next move, but as of mid-January, nobody really knows what to expect.

Drake Baldwin Emerges as a Reliable Option

If there’s a bright spot, it’s Drake Baldwin. The reigning 2025 NL Rookie of the Year showed last season that he can handle everyday catching duties in the majors.

Baldwin’s steady glove and reliable bat have calmed some of the nerves about Murphy’s injury. The Braves only have two catchers on their 40-man roster—Murphy and Baldwin—but Baldwin gives them room to wait things out.

Depth Beyond the 40-Man Roster

Atlanta does have some depth at Triple-A. Chadwick Tromp started 2025 on the big-league roster and remains a familiar option. Veteran Sandy León brings plenty of experience and can handle game-calling if the team needs a quick fix.

Organizational Catchers and Emergency Options

The system also includes a few developmental catchers:

None of these guys are likely to see big-league action early in 2026, but they’re there for depth. There’s even been talk about veteran Martín Maldonado as an emergency option, though he’s not currently with the team.

If Murphy misses just a few weeks, Atlanta can probably get by with Baldwin and the internal options. But if he’s out for months, the Braves might have to look outside for help.

Free-Agent Catchers Still on the Market

The free-agent market for catchers is still surprisingly full. Some of the available names:

Realmuto would be a splashy move, but honestly, he’s probably too expensive and not a great fit. Caratini and Garver seem like more realistic targets if Murphy’s recovery drags on, and they could split time with Baldwin if it comes to that.

What the Braves’ Inaction Really Means

Atlanta still hasn’t made a big move outside the organization. That says a lot about how confident they feel about Murphy’s rehab.

Front offices don’t just sit around for no reason. The Braves seem pretty comfortable with their depth, at least for now.

Mid-January’s almost here, and the catching situation feels stable, though nothing’s really settled. Whether Sean Murphy gets back early or ends up as a midseason boost could totally change how Atlanta handles the 2026 campaign.

For now, everyone’s watching his recovery and counting down to Opening Day. There’s a sense of anticipation—and maybe a little impatience—in the air.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Braves catching options if Sean Murphy isn’t ready for 2026 Opening Day