Braves' Walt Weiss raises concerns with Sean Murphy's future amid $1.25M World Series champ praise

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

Braves' Walt Weiss raises concerns with Sean Murphy's future amid $1.25M World Series champ praise originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves endured a disappointing 2025 season, one that was largely forgettable aside from a late-season surge. Injuries played a major role in the team’s struggles. One of the final setbacks involved Sean Murphy, who dealt with an issue he kept from the organization for some time.

“Sean Murphy's struggles over the past month were likely influenced by the right hip ailment that will be surgically repaired later this week,” MLB.com’s Mark Bowman wrote.

Murphy’s surgery will cause him to miss time to begin the 2026 season. As a result, the Braves needed to make a move, leading them to sign World Series champion Jonah Heim.

“The Atlanta Braves added catching depth while awaiting the return of Sean Murphy by signing former Texas Rangers All-Star Jonah Heim to a one-year, $1.25 million deal Tuesday,” ESPN wrote.

While Heim is expected to fill in until Murphy returns from the injured list, the early results have been impressive. Both games Heim has caught during the regular season have ended in shutouts. It’s a small sample size, but Braves manager Walt Weiss doesn’t believe it’s a coincidence.

“Walt Weiss noted that Jonah Heim worked with Chris Sale and Bryce Elder during their scoreless outings. "That's not by accident, he's a pro back there." Weiss has had routine praise for Heim and always cites his role on the '23 Rangers,” AJC’s Gabe Burns wrote.

Murphy is expected to begin his rehab assignment soon. However, there may be some lingering tension between him and the organization after he concealed his injury. If Heim continues to perform well, Murphy could emerge as a potential trade candidate for Atlanta.

It would be a surprising development in the Braves’ catching situation, but it’s not entirely out of the question. Murphy hasn’t quite been the same player he was in his first season with Atlanta, and Heim could make a strong case to remain in a larger role even after Murphy returns.

More MLB news:

• Dodgers' $2M World Series hero reportedly not in organization's future plans despite Game 7 heroics​

• Mets predicted to acquire $9.2M Cy Young winner, Rookie of the Year to join Freddy Peralta​

• Braves' Walt Weiss validates new philosophy with bold break from Brian Snitker's approach​

• Giants' Tony Vitello warned of brutal awakening if Tennessee mindset sparks early-season panic​

• Braves predicted to sign $34M former Mets Cy Young-caliber arm to pair with Chris Sale​

• Braves predicted to part ways with $1M former first-round fan favorite despite historic grand slam​

• Braves' Dominic Smith makes MLB history with emotional, unforgettable walk-off grand slam​

• Mets predicted to outbid Braves for sought-after $38M Cy Young-caliber arm, escalating rivalry​

• Braves predicted to trade $42M All-Star, Silver Slugger to bolster depleted rotation amid injuries​

• Braves' $7M 3-time All-Star fan favorite set to make franchise history on Opening Day​

• Mets reportedly sign $2.25M veteran Gold Glove finalist as possible Carson Benge replacement​

• Dodgers predicted to trade $12M speedster, versatile defender for coveted top-tier pitching​

Continue reading...