Braves Catcher Sean Murphy Wasting No Time Making Noise

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 08: Atlanta catcher Sean Murphy (12) hits a three-run home run during the MLB game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves on April 8th, 2025 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)

It hasn’t taken long for Sean Murphy to remind Braves fans just how valuable he is. After starting the season on the injured list, Murphy has returned with a bang. In just six games, he’s hitting .273 with four home runs and eight RBIs. His OPS? A red-hot 1.203. Not bad for a guy who just got back into rhythm.

His most recent damage came last night in Toronto, where Murphy hammered a 429-foot two-run shot to put Atlanta up early. It was another example of just how dangerous he can be when locked in, and right now, he looks locked in.

The advanced metrics back it up too. Murphy is currently sporting a 28.6% barrel rate, a 42.9% hard-hit percentage, and a .429 wOBA. He’s not just getting lucky, he’s making real, impactful contact every time he steps in the box. That barrel rate ranks among the best in baseball, and when he's swinging with that kind of consistency, it's tough to keep him off base.

What’s even more impressive is that Murphy’s doing this in a limited sample. He’s played just six games, but already leads the team in home runs. He’s caught well behind the plate too, throwing out a runner in Tampa over the weekend and commanding the staff like a true veteran. It’s easy to forget just how much he brings to the table when healthy, but this stretch has been a clear reminder.

Meanwhile, the Braves have been working rookie Drake Baldwin into the fold as well. Baldwin, who made his MLB debut on March 27, has appeared in eight games. So far, it’s been a slow start for him, he’s hitting just .167 with one RBI and a .434 OPS. Baldwin has potential, no doubt. He hit .276 with 16 home runs and 88 RBIs in the minors last year, but that hasn’t translated just yet at the big league level. I am more than confident it will though, so don't come after me lol.

Defensively, Baldwin has shown flashes, but he’s still raw. There have been some moments where you can see the promise, but he’s clearly not quite at the level of Murphy when it comes to handling a big-league staff or controlling the run game. That’s no knock on Baldwin, he’s young and still developing. But with Murphy healthy and producing like this, there’s really no question who the guy behind the dish should be on a nightly basis.

In a season where the Braves have been searching for consistent offense, Murphy’s bat has given them a major boost. His power is showing up at the right time, and his ability to handle the pitching staff is just as important. Atlanta’s early struggles at the plate have been well documented, but getting Murphy going adds a much-needed weapon back into the mix.

If he keeps swinging like this, he’s going to be hard to keep out of the lineup. And honestly, there’s no reason he should be.