The Atlanta Braves pulled off a stunner trading for catcher Sean Murphy and the newcomer’s first comments since the deal are exactly what fans should want.
It feels almost typical that, while everyone was waiting on the Atlanta Braves to make a move regarding free agent shortstop Dansby Swanson, general manager Alex Anthopoulos had something else cooking.
Though it was never part of the team’s initial plan, the Braves took one of the biggest names on the trade market off the block as they executed a three-team trade with the Brewers and Athletics that landed Atlanta catcher Sean Murphy while they sent William Contreras to the Brewers, Manny Piña to the A’s and a number of prospects to both teams.
Murphy had been a highly coveted commodity as a high-value hitter and Gold Glove defender behind the plate, but Atlanta emerged as a true dark horse to get the deal done as they swooped into the negotiations.
And while Braves fans should already be excited about what Murphy brings to the diamond, what he had to say talking about his new home will get the Truist Park faithful even more excited.
Braves: Sean Murphy believes in Atlanta winning another World Series
Speaking with David O’Brien of The Athletic (subscription required), Murphy talked a lot about what he’s hoping to bring to the Braves and the situation — in addition to Anthopoulos’ thoughts on the deal. However, Murphy’s comments about what he wants in Atlanta is like candy to a sugar-addicted child for fans.
”I have some family there,” said Murphy, who has cousins in Atlanta. “I’m living in Nashville now, so that’s sort of close to home. I’m back on the East Coast, so my parents (in Ohio) don’t have to stay up all night and watch the games. So I think there’s a lot of great things about Atlanta, not to mention they’ve been winning a lot of games and they won a World Series in 2021.
“I want to win one, too, and I think Atlanta’s a great place to start.“
One of the best two-way catchers already talking about getting Atlanta back to winning the World Series? Yeah, you’ll take that every day.
The Murphy trade has raised questions about what the team could do with fellow catcher Travis d’Arnaud, though it does seem as if the club plans to hold onto the veteran and platoon the two, often with one hitting as the DH. In any case, the Braves got better after the Murphy trade while also having him under control for at least the next three seasons.
All eyes will still be on what happens with Swanson, but this move in itself is a big win and Murphy’s mentality joining the Braves only amplifies that.