Sean Murphy: A great offseason addition for the Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves made several key offseason additions, but one player who may have flown under the radar for some is catcher Sean Murphy. However, for those who understand the importance of a strong defensive catcher, Murphy's addition to the Braves' roster is anything but unremarkable.
Despite not being considered a "sexy pull" by some, Murphy's defensive skills are undeniable. And as any baseball fan knows, defense can make all the difference in a game, and even a season.
With the new restrictions on pickoff attempts from pitchers, the catcher's arm is more valuable than ever. While a starting pitcher can only throw over to hold a runner twice (if you don't pick him off on the third attempt, it's a balk), there's no restriction on a catcher's throws to the bags. Murphy's equipped for both back picks and throwing out baserunners, with a 96th percentile pop time and a top ten average velocity on stolen base attempts of 86.1 mph.
In addition to his skills behind the plate, Murphy's attitude and demeanor are also valuable to the Braves' organization. He comes from a team where he wasn't having much fun, but reports indicate that he's really happy in Atlanta. And in baseball, where locker room dynamics can have a significant impact, a happy player can make all the difference.
But it's not just Murphy's defense and attitude that make him a great addition to the Braves. His offensive contributions will also be important, but in a different way than they were on his former team, the Oakland A's.
In Oakland, Murphy was essentially the offense, starting in almost 120 games at catcher and being the designated hitter in an additional 30. But in Atlanta, he'll have talented offensive players around him, such as Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Ozzie Albies, to name a few.
Murphy won't be asked to carry the team on his own. Instead, he can focus on his defensive skills and hitting without feeling the pressure to be the sole offensive force. And that could lead to a fantastic year for the 28-year-old catcher.
Overall, the addition of Sean Murphy may not have made headlines, but it could prove to be a crucial move for the Braves as they strive to make another run at the postseason. With his defensive prowess, positive attitude, and offensive contributions as part of a talented roster, Murphy has the potential to be a valuable asset to the team in 2023 and beyond.
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