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The Atlanta Braves endured a disappointing 2025 season, one that was largely forgettable aside from a late-season surge. Injuries played a major role in the team’s struggles. One of the final setbacks involved Sean Murphy, who dealt with an issue he kept from the organization for some time.
“Sean Murphy's struggles over the past month were likely influenced by the right hip ailment that will be surgically repaired later this week,” MLB.com’s Mark Bowman wrote.
Murphy’s surgery will cause him to miss time to begin the 2026 season. As a result, the Braves needed to make a move, leading them to sign World Series champion Jonah Heim.
“The Atlanta Braves added catching depth while awaiting the return of Sean Murphy by signing former Texas Rangers All-Star Jonah Heim to a one-year, $1.25 million deal Tuesday,” ESPN wrote.
While Heim is expected to fill in until Murphy returns from the injured list, the early results have been impressive. Both games Heim has caught during the regular season have ended in shutouts. It’s a small sample size, but Braves manager Walt Weiss doesn’t believe it’s a coincidence.
“Walt Weiss noted that Jonah Heim worked with Chris Sale and Bryce Elder during their scoreless outings. "That's not by accident, he's a pro back there." Weiss has had routine praise for Heim and always cites his role on the '23 Rangers,” AJC’s Gabe Burns wrote.
Murphy is expected to begin his rehab assignment soon. However, there may be some lingering tension between him and the organization after he concealed his injury. If Heim continues to perform well, Murphy could emerge as a potential trade candidate for Atlanta.
It would be a surprising development in the Braves’ catching situation, but it’s not entirely out of the question. Murphy hasn’t quite been the same player he was in his first season with Atlanta, and Heim could make a strong case to remain in a larger role even after Murphy returns.
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