Some Braves fans need to realize Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin can coexist

I can’t even believe I have to say this, but it’s not a bad thing that the Braves have two good catchers, Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin.

Ever since Murphy got drilled in the ribs in Spring Training, a portion of Braves fans have been clamoring for Alex Anthopoulos to ship the All-Star backstop out of Atlanta in favor of the organization’s top rookie, Baldwin.

Baldwin was doing his part. Ever since he was promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett, he raked. In 72 games for the Stripers last season, he hit nearly .300 with 12 homers, 55 RBIs, and an .891 OPS.

That got some fans excited. Combine the sky-high potential of Baldwin and Murphy’s struggles in 2024 and his injury, and a portion of Braves Country had turned on the veteran. It was ridiculous then, and it’s even more ridiculous now.

Drake Baldwin just notched his first-ever walk-off in exhilarating fashion. The rookie came in as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the ninth and hit a walk-off single in the 11th to give Atlanta a series-clinching 5-4 win over the Reds on Thursday at Truist Park.

Despite playing once or twice a week and the occasional pinch-hit call, Baldwin owns a .279/.343/.459 slash line, good for an .802 OPS, which is 24% higher than the league average. His approach at the plate is elite, getting on base more than every Braves hitter other than Marcell Ozuna, Matt Olson, and Eli White.

He’s also not too shabby behind the plate, throwing out a would-be Reds runner in extra innings last night. His breakout has prompted Braves fans to call for Sean Murphy’s head, despite him performing among the best players in the league.

Murphy’s  130 wRC+ is 5th among catchers with at least 90 plate appearances. His .513 slugging percentage is 4th, and his 0.8 fWAR is tied for 6th. Yeah, that’s pretty damn good.

What’s so crazy to me is that some fans just can’t fathom having two good catchers. It has to be either Sean Murphy or Drake Baldwin. Guess what, guys? This might be radical to say, but the Braves can have two good catchers! It’s a crazy concept, I know!

The Braves are a better ball club with both Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin on the roster. Do Alex Anthopoulos and Brian Snitker need to find a way to get Baldwin more at-bats? Yes, but that’s a problem for another day.

Now, if you can be a rational Braves fan and acknowledge that having two good catchers is a positive development, this blog wasn’t for you. However, I imagine there’s at least one of your friends who hates Murphy for whatever reason. You need to talk some sense into them.

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