Sean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves faces a significant setback after fracturing his left rib, sidelining him for at least a month. This injury forces him out of the Braves' opening game against the San Diego Padres on March 27. Murphy, a former All-Star, had a disappointing 2024 season, where he recorded career lows in batting average (.193), on-base percentage (.284), and slugging percentage (.352).

With Murphy unavailable, the Braves will turn to Chadwick Tromp as the starting catcher, while top prospect Drake Baldwin is likely to compete for a more significant role in the near future. Baldwin impressed at the minor league level last season, hitting .276/.370/.423 with 16 home runs, ranking as CBS Sports' No. 32 prospect. Murphy's absence opens the door for Baldwin to potentially take over the starting duties if he performs well, while the team will also have to navigate the absence of key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider due to their recovery from injuries.

The Atlanta Braves are currently evaluating their catching options for the 2025 season after Travis d’Arnaud's departure, leaving only Sean Murphy on the roster. Kevin McAlpin, a former Braves radio host, suggests exploring the free agent market rather than promoting Drake Baldwin to a backup role, advocating for his development in Triple-A.

McAlpin sees potential in signing San Diego Padres free agent Kyle Higashioka, who performed well against the Braves in the Wild Card series. Despite a challenging defensive season, Higashioka's offensive capabilities could align with the Braves' needs, although changes in their catching philosophy may arise with the exit of Sal Fasano.