Murphy will undergo season-ending surgery on his right hip for a labral tear, with recovery estimated at four months and a spring-training return as the goal. He has three years and $45 million left on his contract, plus a 2029 club option. This season he slashed .199 with 16 homers and 45 RBIs in 94 games, after a .193 mark in 2024 and career highs of 21 HR and 68 RBI in 2023. Drake Baldwin emerged as Atlanta’s top catching option midseason, while Sandy León will back up the position for the rest of the year.

The Braves now lean on Baldwin and León to handle the catching duties while Murphy recovers, which could shift workload and fantasy value at the backstop spot. Murphy’s absence creates a clearer path for Baldwin to showcase his bat and defense, while León provides veteran depth to steady the ship behind the plate. The injury ripple affects lineup construction and daily fantasy projections for Atlanta’s hitters and pitchers in the short term.