The Atlanta Braves are predicted to add another catcher to replace injured Sean Murphy, who was projected to be the Braves’ starting catcher.
Murphy suffered a cracked rib and is expected to miss four to six weeks and will miss the start of the Major League Baseball season. With Murphy sidelined, MLB analyst Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report predicts the Braves will sign James McCann to replace Murphy.
“(Yasmani) Grandal reportedly turned down an offer from the Atlanta Braves, who have a need for catching after Sean Murphy cracked a rib. Bold Prediction: The Braves sign McCann and keep him for the whole year,” Rymer wrote.
McCann has played 919 career games hitting .241 with 92 home runs and 373 RBIs. The one-time All-Star played with the Baltimore Orioles last season, appearing in 66 games hitting .234 with 8 home runs and 31 RBIs.
Murphy did struggle last season, hitting .193 with 10 home runs and 25 RBIs in 72 games as he dealt with injuries in 2024. He’s a one-time All-Star and won the Gold Glove Award in 2021.
If the Braves don’t sign McCann or any other catcher to replace Murphy, top prospect Drake Baldwin is a candidate to be the Braves’ Opening Day catcher.
Along with Baldwin, Chadwick Tromp is the only other catcher on Atlanta’s 40-man roster, showing the Braves could add another catcher to help replace Murphy.
Atlanta opens its 2025 MLB season on the road on March 27 against the San Diego Padres. The Braves home opener is on April 4 against the Miami Marlins.
More MLB: Mets star Juan Soto turns heads with response to fan’s 2-word insult
