Hot Start from Braves Rookie Could Mean Surprising Trade of Veteran Catcher

Over the last few seasons, the Atlanta Braves had a nice catching platoon that they rolled with the entire season. Sean Murphy and Travis d’Arnaud spent time behind the plate, and it was a big reason that the Braves made the postseason every season that the two were together.

D’Arnaud is now with the Los Angeles Angels, meaning the Braves have a new backup catcher behind Murphy. That backup catcher is 24-year-old rookie Drake Baldwin and with the way he has begun his major league career, he won’t be the backup much longer.

Through his first 75 at-bats, Baldwin has a .360 batting average with 4 doubles, 4 home runs, 12 RBIs and a .981 OPS. He has nine hits in his last 12 at-bats and has played a huge role in Atlanta getting back to a .500 record after starting the season 0-7.

Baldwin is aware that the Braves have climbed out of the 0-7 hole they began the season is and he spoke on what it meant to get back to that .500 mark after a horrendous start.

“Huge,” Baldwin said when asked about the significance of reaching .500. “Since that 0-7 streak, I think we’ve been, I don’t know what the exact numbers are, but it seems like we started to get going.

“We faced some tough teams early, but getting back to .500, we’re right back in it. Continue to do what we’re doing, and I think we’ll be in a good spot.” per Atlanta Braves on SI

Murphy has been no slouch either, as he has seven home runs and a team leading .505 slugging percentage. The problem that Atlanta faces is trying to get both of those bats in the lineup. Only one can catch, and the designated hitter role is occupied by Marcell Ozuna.

An injury could surely happen and clear a path for both catchers to be in the everyday lineup but that is not something anyone is hoping for. It may become time to think about trading Murphy prior to the trade deadline if everyone stays healthy and Baldwin continues to produce.

If that is the direction the Braves go in, they do have catchers Jason Delay and Sandy Leon on the 40-man roster, meaning they could be brought up to the major league without a roster spot having to be cleared. It certainly won’t be an easy decision, but for general manager Alex Anthopoulos, who has never been afraid to take a big swing, it may be the one that is needed.

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