Braves predicted to trade for $108M workhorse 3-time All-Star, Cy Young finalist, ship Sean Murphy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves spent all of 2025 battling the injury bug in nearly every way possible. It began with the pitching staff and eventually affected key players like Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley. This Spring Training, the injuries have already hit the pitching rotation.

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“The Braves opened camp this morning with an unwelcome update on talented young righty Spencer Schwellenbach. He’s been placed on the 60-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The team’s hope is that the 25-year-old is dealing with bone spurs and not something more nefarious,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams wrote.

Not long after Schwellenbach’s injury announcement, it was revealed that Hurston Waldrep was dealing with a similar issue, knocking two potential starters out for the Braves.

“The Atlanta Braves’ rotation took another hit Sunday when manager Walt Weiss said right-hander Hurston Waldrep may need surgery to remove ‘loose bodies’ found in his arm. Waldrep complained of discomfort after throwing batting practice. Weiss said an MRI showed no ligament damage, but the team is waiting to learn more after Waldrep has additional tests,” ESPN wrote.

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Sports Illustrated’s Duke Demming suggested that the Braves should trade catcher Sean Murphy and pitching prospect Owen Murphy for the Luis Castillo of the Seattle Mariners.

“In this mock trade, the Braves acquire All-Star starter Luis Castillo. In exchange, the Mariners receive former All-Star catcher Sean Murphy and a young pitching prospect in Owen Murphy,” Demming wrote.

Adding Castillo would be a massive boost for the Braves, especially when the roster is fully healthy and competing in the NL East. Atlanta’s relationship with Sean Murphy is somewhat complicated, as he reportedly played much of last season while hiding an injury.

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The Braves are looking for a pitcher they can rely on in October, and Castillo fits that profile. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has a reputation for making bold trades when necessary, and with the pitching staff currently in need, a move like this could not be more timely.

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