Braves predicted to cut ties with $73 million Gold Glover in surprise Giants trade

As the Atlanta Braves get set for the final two weeks of July, they have huge decisions to make.

The trade deadline is approaching, and the Braves, for the first time in a decade, have to contemplate selling. That could just mean getting rid of expiring veterans like Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias, but it could also mean unloading some long-term salary.

Catcher Sean Murphy has to at least be considered for a move. Every game, either Murphy or rookie backstop Drake Baldwin has to be on the bench, even though both are well above average hitters.

If the Braves are willing to break up their overly effective platoon to address other roster needs (and get out of the last three years of Murphy's $73 million extension), one baseball analyst believes the San Francisco Giants could stand to benefit.

On a Wednesday episode of Talkin' Baseball, Jomboy Media's Chris Rose predicted that the Braves would ship Murphy to the Giants ahead of the Jul. 31 deadline.

"He's going to make $15 million in each of the next three years," Rose said, as evidence that Atlanta should look to move on from Murphy.

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"(Giants president of baseball operations) Buster Posey, more than anybody else in this sport, knows what it means to have somebody reliable behind that dish. So Sean Murphy, going to San Francisco."

The Giants already proved they're willing to be huge buyers at this deadline by trading for Rafael Devers a month ago. They've got a young starting catcher in Patrick Bailey, though, who would certainly see his opportunities diminished by a Murphy trade.

It's only one prediction, so there's no guarantee either side is interested in a deal of this magnitude. If it were to happen, though, the logic would be that the Braves could stock up on prospects for next year and beyond while clearing a path for Baldwin.

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