The Atlanta Braves seem to be resigned to becoming sellers at the trade deadline, but the devil is in the details.

If the Braves just trade players on expiring contracts, it could be a very boring trade deadline in Atlanta. But if anyone under contract for 2026 and beyond is on the table, the possibilities suddenly become enthralling.

Starting pitcher Chris Sale probably isn't getting traded, because the Braves need him for 2026. But there's an argument to be made that they don't need catcher Sean Murphy, or at least can stand to lose him if a team blows them away with a potential trade package.

So while Murphy might not be more likely than not to be traded in the next nine days, one insider believes we can't rule it out.

On Tuesday, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand called Murphy the "best player available" at the catching position, and indicated that there was at least a plausible scenario in which a team wants him badly enough for the Braves to be enticed.

"Murphy appeared to be part of the Braves’ long-term plans when they acquired him in December 2022 and signed him to a six-year, $73 million extension two weeks later," wrote Feinsand. "Although he’s having a solid year in 2025, the emergence of Drake Baldwin has provided depth behind the plate.

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"Buzz Factor: Medium. Murphy is signed through 2028 for $15 million per year with a $15 million club option for 2029, making the 30-year-old an attractive trade chip for a disappointing Atlanta team without much to sell, though that deal could also happen after the season."

Murphy has a .240/.331/.514 slash line this season, with 16 home runs and 2.6 bWAR in only 64 games. As good as he's been, Baldwin has been better, and he's both younger and cheaper as well.

Right now, the Braves are using Murphy and Baldwin as a catcher/designated hitter tandem. The question is whether they intend to do so just for the rest of this year, for the foreseeable future, or just for a few more days to maximize Murphy's trade value.

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