The Atlanta Braves are having quite the offseason thus far this winter. They are making all the necessary additions to help improve the roster headed into 2026. Those moves included adding depth in the bullpen by signing Robgert Suarez to a $45 million deal. The Braves cleared up their shortstop need by bringing back Ha-Seong Kim on a $20 million deal. Atlanta also added some outfield depth by bringing on Mike Yastrzemski.
So, what is next for the Braves? Who have shown no signs of stopping. Another depth starter would certainly help bolster the starting rotation, but another position of need might be a backup catcher. Drake Baldwin won the NL Rookie of the Year last season, and Sean Murphy is slated to serve as the backup, but he underwent hip surgery at the end of last season that might keep him out to start the 2026 season.
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Could the Braves Target Former All-Star Jonah Heim?
As it usually is, the free agency market for catchers is really thin. J.T. Realmuto is considered the best option at the moment, and former Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim is probably the second-best option, but after that, things get rather thin and bleak.
So, could the Braves target Jonah Heim in free agency to serve as the backup catcher, and maybe accelerate the Sean Murphy trade talks?
GettySean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves
Sean Murphy has been a quality catcher for the Atlanta Braves after signing a $73 million deal before 2023, but he may be past his prime and regressing as a hitter/injuries are starting to pile up. Murphy was an All-Star in 2023 and has still shown the ability to hit a home run now and then, but it’s now back-to-back seasons that Murphy has hit under .200 and failed to appear in 100 games.
Adding Heim wouldn’t exactly be an upgrade at the plate, but he could be a cheaper option for the Braves if they decided to offload Murphy.
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What Does Jonah Heim Bring to the Table?
SportsTalkATL.com’s Chase Irle also believes that catcher is still a free agent need, and he named Jonah Heim as a potential candidate for the Braves to sign:
“One need that hasnât been discussed much is catcher, largely because the Braves currently have two very good ones on the roster. However, there is speculation that Sean Murphy could miss time to begin the season following hip surgery, which would force the Braves to acquire some depth.”
Heim is also looking for a new organization after being non-tendered by the Rangers. He likely wouldn’t cost more than $5 million.
Heim was also an All-Star back in 2023 and has 42 home runs since the start of 2023. He won a Gold Glove back in ’23, and helped the Rangers win their first World Series.
Braves hitting coach Tim Hyers worked with Heim during that breakout season a few years ago, and could give Atlanta’s front office a reason to reach a deal with Jonah Heim.
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