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.

In fantasy baseball, prioritizing power-hitters early might lead to a scarcity in run projections, as these players often bat lower in the order. However, savvy managers can find late-round gems with high run-scoring potential. This article highlights six such players, emphasizing the importance of batting position and lineup strength in maximizing run opportunities.

Among the notable late-round targets are Jurickson Profar of the Atlanta Braves, who signed a lucrative contract that secures him a starting position and could see him scoring over 100 runs if he continues to hit leadoff. George Springer of the Toronto Blue Jays, despite a dip in batting average, is poised for a bounce-back with solid on-base skills. JJ Bleday of the Athletics showed considerable improvement last season and is expected to keep building on that success while batting in front of power hitters. Jonathan India, now with the Kansas City Royals, is also in a prime spot to score runs at the top of the lineup. Lastly, Michael Busch from the Cubs and Sean Murphy from the Braves, each with favorable positions in potent lineups, present excellent opportunities for run production. These players could provide valuable contributions to your run totals without requiring early-round picks.

The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for the upcoming MLB season with catcher Sean Murphy in the spotlight, as he aims to prove that last year’s struggles are behind him. Following an injury-plagued season that saw his performance dip significantly, Murphy is determined to reclaim his All-Star form.

After a dismal .193 batting average in 2024, he faces pressure to deliver consistent performance, especially with expectations to catch a significant portion of the Braves' games. While he is under contract until the end of the decade, a promising prospect, Drake Baldwin, could pose a challenge if Murphy falters again.

With the Braves perceived by some as nearing the end of their championship window, Murphy’s resurgence is crucial not just for his career but for the team's aspirations in 2025. If he can turn things around, he might even be in contention for the Comeback Player of the Year award.

As the anticipation for the 2025 fantasy baseball draft season builds, identifying bounce-back players from the previous year becomes critical for success. Among the top candidates, Trevor Story of the Boston Red Sox stands out if he can overcome his injury woes. His previous metrics suggest a potential for significant contributions in home runs and steals if he maintains health.

Isaac Paredes, now with the Houston Astros, could thrive in his new ballpark despite a subpar 2024. Triston Casas, also of the Red Sox, is pegged for a resurgence based on his impressive second-half performance in 2023. Meanwhile, Atlanta's Sean Murphy looks to rebound from a disappointing season, with potential for better luck and health. Lastly, Bo Bichette has metrics that suggest he can reclaim his early-round fantasy value after a down year.