When the Atlanta Braves swung the deal to acquire Sean Murphy nearly two years ago, it looked like a move destined for long-term success. The team traded away a bundle of talent, including promising young catcher William Contreras, who had already flashed all-star potential.
They also let go of Esteury Ruiz, who would go on to lead the American League in stolen bases in 2023. Fast forward two seasons and the situation is murkier than anyone anticipated. Murphy has delivered a rollercoaster performance, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering if the Braves made the right call. So, it’s time for a deep dive—was this trade a win for the Braves, or did they miss the mark?
The Trade Breakdown: Who Went Where?
First, let’s recap what went down in December 2022:
- Braves acquire: Sean Murphy (C)
- Athletics acquire: Kyle Muller (P), Freddy Tarnok (P), Manny Piña (C), Esteury Ruiz (OF)
- Brewers acquire: William Contreras (C), Justin Yeager (P), Joel Payamps (P)
The Sean Murphy Experience: Two Sides of the Coin
Sean Murphy lived up to the hype in his first year with the Braves. He earned his first All-Star nod with a stellar season at the plate, slashing .251/.365/.478. He also set career highs in home runs (21) and RBIs (68), showing that the Braves’ investment was paying off.
If you look at those numbers and adjust them for a full 162-game season, Murphy was on pace to deliver a powerhouse season—32 home runs and 102 RBIs. Not bad, considering he shared playing time with veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud.
Meanwhile, William Contreras, now with the Brewers, had a solid but slightly down year in 2023, hitting .289/.367/.457 with 17 homers. It was a step back from his 20 home runs in just 97 games the previous season. So, at the time, it looked like the Braves made a smart play, betting on Murphy’s potential and track record as a defensive stalwart.
Then came 2024, and everything changed. Contreras bounced back, putting up impressive numbers with a .281/.365/.466 slash line, 23 home runs, and 92 RBIs over 151 games. On the other hand, Murphy’s season was a struggle.
An oblique injury sidelined him in early April, and although he returned, he never found his rhythm at the plate. His season ended with a disappointing .193/.284/.352 line, along with just 10 homers and 25 RBIs in 72 games. That’s a dramatic drop-off from his All-Star season, raising serious concerns about his long-term outlook.
Winners and Losers: Too Soon to Tell?
Before jumping to conclusions and declaring a winner, let’s pump the brakes. Murphy’s second season was a letdown, and Contreras seems to have settled into a productive groove in Milwaukee.
But Murphy spent the majority of 2024 dealing with an injury, and if he bounces back after an offseason of recovery, the narrative could shift. If he returns to his All-Star form, the Braves’ investment will pay off, making it a win-win for both the Braves and the Brewers.
However, Oakland Athletics is the most likely candidate if we’re looking for a clear loser. The A’s received a haul of players, but none of them have panned out quite as hoped:
- Esteury Ruiz: Injured most of 2024 and, when healthy, found himself demoted to Triple-A.
- Kyle Muller: Finished the year with a 4.01 ERA in 21 appearances—decent, but hardly a breakout star.
- Freddy Tarnok: Designated for assignment midseason, showing little promise.
- Manny Piña: Released by the team altogether.
Even if Ruiz manages to return to his 2023 form, the A’s haul hasn’t shown enough promise to make them contenders for “winner” status in this deal.
The Braves’ Perspective: Room for Optimism
Despite the setbacks, it’s not all doom and gloom for Atlanta. Essentially, the Braves gave up very little directly to the A’s in this trade, as Ruiz was a player they acquired from Milwaukee.
They also have a promising catching prospect in Drake Baldwin, which may soften the blow of parting with Contreras. So, if Murphy can get back to his best, it’s still possible the Braves come out ahead.
The Brewers appear to have the slight edge in this deal, having secured a reliable bat in Contreras. But the final verdict isn’t set in stone. Injuries and adjustments take time, and Murphy’s contract runs through 2029, giving him plenty of opportunities to prove his value.
Whether the Braves would make this trade again if given the chance today? That’s debatable. But two years ago, it was a no-brainer. Only time will tell if it truly pays off.
