*Photo from Battery Power*
Hey look, it's another smart move for the Atlanta Braves. The Braves and C Sean Murphy have agreed to a 6 year, $73 million extension, according to an announcement made by the Braves.
Less than a month after being acquired by the Braves, Murphy now signs an extension that locks him in for the next 6 seasons. There is a $15 million mutual option for the 2029 season, and the deal delays Murphy hitting free agency for two seasons, 3 if the option is exercised on both ends. The deal could max out at 7 seasons and $88 million.
Murphy said of signing an extension that "I immediately felt comfortable with the staff in Atlanta. It was reassuring that through the conversations we had with people, this was a good place to commit to. I got glowing reviews from teammates and everything has good things to say about it."
Last season was only Murphy's 4th in the majors, logging a new high in games played. Murphy ended the season with a .250 batting average, .426 slugging percentage, and .759 OPS, adding 37 doubles, 18 home runs, and 66 RBI's, playing in 148 games.
With his extension, Murphy joins a chorus of Braves players that have recently agreed to what are considered team friendly extensions. Murphy, Spencer Strider, Michael Harris II, Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and Ronald Acuna Jr are all under contract for the next 5 years with the Braves, with Olson and Riley locked up through the 2030 season, and Riley under contract through at least 2032.
Murphy said of the players he's locked in with that "It feels unique. You look at that list of players and you like everything about it. Those guys are awesome. It's an honor to be included in that mix with those guys. So, going forward, I can't imagine this team being anything but great for the next several years."
So far, Murphy has played 4 seasons, all with the Oakland Athletics. He has a .236 batting average, .326 on base percentage, and .429 slugging percentage in that time, hitting 46 home runs with 147 RBI's in 330 career games. He has a .217 average with two homers and 4 RBI's in 8 playoff games.
Among catchers with a minimum of 400 plate appearances, Murphy ranked 3rd in WAR with 5.1, trailing only Adley Rutschman with 5.3 and JT Realmuto with 6.5. He had a 120 OPS+ while receiving down ballot AL MVP votes.
Murphy will split the workload with Travis D'Arnaud as the top catchers in Atlanta. The Braves have added Dennis Santana, Kolby Allard, Sam Hilliard, and Jordan Luplow alongside Murphy this offseason.
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