The Atlanta Braves encountered a challenging start to the 2024 regular season when their starting catcher, Sean Murphy, a 2023 All-Star, sustained an oblique injury on Opening Day. Despite nearing late May, Murphy has yet to make a comeback to the major league team, and the organization has refrained from announcing any anticipated timeline for his return.
Losing a top-tier starting catcher like Murphy would typically hinder a team’s ability to maintain league-average production, especially considering the position’s emphasis on defensive prowess and overall contribution beyond batting performance.
Fortunately for Atlanta, they had Travis d’Arnaud, a former 2022 All-Star, ready to step into the starting role relinquished by Murphy. At 35 years old, d’Arnaud not only adeptly manages the pitching staff, which has surpassed expectations this season, but also exhibits offensive output reminiscent of his performances in 2022 and 2020.
Moving up in the depth chart is Chadwick Tromp, who, in his third season with the Braves, has seen increased playing time in the MLB since his rookie year with the San Francisco Giants in 2020. Despite providing limited offensive contributions in his 14 games with the Braves this season, Tromp demonstrates above-average defensive skills, likely ensuring his roster spot with Atlanta until Murphy’s return.
As of May 14, 2024, following a victory over the Chicago Cubs, the Braves held a 26-13 record, trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by two games in the National League East. While the team’s offensive output has declined from the record-setting performance of 2023, the 2024 squad has found success through strong pitching and defense, awaiting an offensive resurgence to match the previous season’s standards.
Considering this, let’s assess the performances of d’Arnaud and Tromp behind the plate in the absence of Murphy, one of the game’s top 10 all-around catchers. It’s noteworthy that William Contreras, the player ostensibly traded for Murphy, has evolved into one of the league’s premier catchers, boasting a remarkable 2.3 fWAR for the Milwaukee Brewers and a superb 171 wRC+ alongside defensive contributions that, while not as exceptional as his progress in 2023, remain at least neutral.
