The Atlanta Braves have relied on Sean Murphy and Travis d’Arnaud behind the plate in recent seasons. While the duo has been effective, the Braves decided to let d’Arnaud go in free agency, and he signed with the Los Angeles Angels. Now, with Murphy as their sole catcher, the Braves are regretting that decision.
Murphy recently suffered a cracked rib, and he could be out for at least a month while recovering. Given the demanding nature of the catcher position, this injury could keep him sidelined even longer than expected. As a result, the Braves may need to bring in another catcher.
One option to consider is Minnesota Twins catcher Diego Cartaya. Previously a top prospect with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cartaya was surprisingly designated for assignment during the offseason. After joining the Twins, he has been somewhat overlooked, but the Braves might be able to acquire him for a low cost. The question is whether it’s worth the risk, considering the Braves already have a top catching prospect, Drake Baldwin, who seems ready for a big-league call-up. It’s unclear whether Baldwin will get that chance while Murphy is out.
Bringing in Cartaya would be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Braves. If Cartaya finds success and revives his career, the Braves would have a potentially valuable asset on a cheap deal. On the other hand, if he doesn’t pan out, the Braves could release him and rely on Baldwin instead. While Baldwin might be the more promising option, adding Cartaya to the roster wouldn’t hurt and could provide some depth during Murphy’s absence.
