Braves Briefing: Sean Murphy is listed as the best catcher in MLB
With the creation of the All-MLB team in 2019, individual players were given a chance to be named among the top players in all of baseball among their peers.
On MLB.com, they are previewing potential selections at each position and when they got to the catchers, of course, Atlanta's Sean Murphy was the first man mentioned behind the plate.
Here's what MLB.com's Brian Murphy wrote about the Braves catcher.
The Braves had the most All-MLB Team nominees last season with 11. They should have another boatload of nominations this year as an incredible lineup has helped lead Atlanta to the best record in baseball. Murphy, acquired from the A’s as part of a three-team trade in December, has been a key cog in this offensive juggernaut. He has already set a career high with 20 homers and ranks among the top 15 players at any position in barrel rate (17.4%) and xwOBA (.409). Murphy's 149 wRC+ would not only be a vast improvement upon his 122 from last year, it would be the highest by any primary catcher with at least 400 plate appearances since 2012.
Defensively, Murphy has been one of the game’s best catchers for the past couple of seasons, and nothing has changed following his move to the National League. He is no worse than sixth in pop time, framing runs and blocks above average. Overall, his fielding run value of plus-12 runs is tied for third among all players (min. 100 innings played).
NL East Standings
| Team | Record | GB | Action Today |
|---|---|---|---|
Atlanta | 80-44 | - | Hosts NYM |
Philadelphia | 68-57 | 12.5 | Hosts SF |
Miami | 64-62 | 17.0 | @ SD |
NYM | 59-67 | 22.0 | @ Atlanta |
Washington | 57-68 | 23.5 | @ NYY |
We wrote it
Andrew Stefaniak led our coverage of Atlanta's 10-4 loss to the New York Mets. Marcell Ozuna had a good night.
Marcell Ozuna hit two bombs in this game which had the Braves in this game early. These homers were his 25th and 26th of the season. Both homers left that bat over 108 mph and traveled more than 415 feet. Ozuna has one of the most powerful bats in the MLB. Ozuna will hit some clutch bombs for the Braves in the postseason sending fans into a frenzy.
What's next for the Atlanta Braves?
Game two of this three-game set with the Mets will be at 7:20 ET as Bryce Elder gets the ball against Tylor Megill. The Braves will look to even the series in this ball game.
Check out Braves Today on Socials!
Follow Braves Today on Twitter!
Like Braves Today on Facebook!
Check out the homepage for more Atlanta Braves News!
Subscribe to Braves Today on YouTube!
Get Exclusive Braves Merchandise from FOCO