MLB Rumors: Cardinals solution, Braves trade outlook, Cubs move

MLB Rumors: Atlanta Braves clear winners of Sean Murphy trade

It’s unclear exactly how Alex Anthopoulos continues to pull off some of the best trades in franchise history, but he did so again this offseason when acquiring catcher Sean Murphy and then signing him to a long-term extension. Murphy received a six-year, $73 million contract extension upon arrival in Atlanta, which addressed the Braves need at catcher despite already having Travis d’Arnaud on the roster.

It’s an embarrassment of riches in the ATL, but they weren’t the only winners of this deal. The Milwaukee Brewers, who were the third team in the trade, acquired Williams Contreras — the younger brother of Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras. One look at the advanced stats shows Contreras is off to a solid start in Milwaukee, despite some mixed emotions when he left the Braves organization.

Contreras was an All-Star last season in Atlanta, but was viewed less as an option at backstop, and more of a designated hitter. Ironically, the Braves are struggling in that department so far this season, with Marcell Ozuna stinking up the joint — but that’s a story for another day.

The Oakland Athletics haven’t been so lucky, but the true payout won’t be seen until a few years down the road. The A’s received a prospect-laden package of Esteury Ruiz, Kyle Muller, Freddy Tarnok and Royber Salinas to buoy their farm system, as well as Manny Piña to play catcher in the meantime.