Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy is expected to miss at least a month with a cracked rib, and top prospect Drake Baldwin seems destined to start the season as Atlanta’s primary catcher. Baldwin, 23, has no major league experience but impressed in Triple-A last season with a .298 batting average, 12 homers, and an .891 OPS in 72 games.
Baldwin’s power-hitting skills have drawn rave reviews from pitchers this spring, including four hits, two RBIs, three walks, and no strikeouts in six Grapefruit League games. He is the best option behind the plate now that veteran Travis d’Arnaud has signed with the Los Angeles Angels, and his development was originally planned to continue at Triple-A.
With Murphy’s expected return in four to six weeks, Baldwin’s status as primary catcher will change once again. However, if Murphy remains sidelined, Baldwin could provide a boost to the Braves’ lineup, offering opposite-field power and strong on-base skills.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6171773/2025/03/03/braves-sean-murphy-injury-drake-baldwin