This story is free to read.

Braves sign new catcher Sean Murphy to long-term deal

AP photo by Godofredo A. Vásquez / Oakland Athletics catcher Sean Murphy tries to tag Adam Engel as he scores for the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning of a Sept. 9 game in California. Murphy joined the Atlanta Braves this month in a three-team trade involving the Milwaukee Brewers, and this week he signed a six-year contract for $73 million with Atlanta. AP photo by Godofredo A. Vásquez / Oakland Athletics catcher Sean Murphy tries to tag Adam Engel as he scores for the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning of a Sept. 9 game in California. Murphy joined the Atlanta Braves this month in a three-team trade involving the Milwaukee Brewers, and this week he signed a six-year contract for $73 million with Atlanta.

By PAUL NEWBERRY / The Associated Press December 28, 2022 4 min read

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves have signed newly acquired catcher Sean Murphy to a $73 million, six-year contract, locking up another key player with a long-term deal.

The contract, signed Tuesday and announced by the club late that night, includes a $15 million club option for 2029 with no buyout that could raise the total value of the agreement to $88 million.

Murphy will make $4 million in 2023, $9 million in 2024 and $15 million each season from 2025 through 2028. He agreed to donate 1% of his annual salary to the Atlanta Braves Foundation.

After the uncertainty of playing with the low-budget Oakland Athletics for the past four seasons, Murphy is looking forward to putting down roots in Atlanta with a team that boasts five straight National League East Division titles and the 2021 World Series championship.

“My wife is looking forward to having a spot where she feels comfortable, at least for a while,” Murphy said. “That’s important to us.”