Sean Murphy extension shows why Atlanta Braves are MLB’s smartest franchise

At some point, Major League Baseball is going to have to investigate the Atlanta Braves for a mind control device.

They have locked in their young players on extremely team friendly extensions. The Braves seem to have blackmail on the A’s considering the tepid returns sent to Oakland for Matt Olson and Sean Murphy over the past two offseasons. The Olson trade looked even worse after he signed a long term extension to remain in Atlanta as part of their core.

Atlanta Braves lock Sean Murphy in with long term extension

Extension season continued on Tuesday night. The Braves announced that they have signed Murphy to a six year extension worth $73 million. There is also a $15 million team option for 2029 that does not include a buy out. He will also be donating one percent of his salary to the Atlanta Braves Foundation.

Murphy had a breakout campaign in 2022 as he made drastic changes to his approach at the plate in the second half of the season. Those changes led to what could be considered his breakout season as he produced a .250/.332/.426 batting line with 17 homers and 38 doubles in his 612 plate appearances. He slashed his strikeout rate to a career best 20.3% while keeping his above average walk rate in place.

He is also more than just a solid bat behind the plate. Murphy is one of the better defensive catchers in the game, the 2021 AL Gold Glove winner at catcher and a finalist again this season. His ability to build a rapport with a pitching staff and guide those arms through a lineup is valued around the league. He is easily one of the best catchers in the game.

He also will not be going anywhere for the foreseeable future. While the Mets are making flashy moves and stealing headlines, the Braves are quietly assembling their core, building a sustainable contender. And they are doing so without spending nearly as much, leaving plenty of room for upgrades and additional extensions going forward. It is a brilliant approach and one that is showing why the Braves are not going anywhere in the NL East.

The Atlanta Braves continue to be the smartest franchise in the majors. Their acquisition of Sean Murphy, and subsequent extension, hammers that point home.