A bold trade proposal has emerged that could significantly alter the rosters of both the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves. According to a recent suggestion by the account Red Sox Payroll on X, the Red Sox would send shortstop Trevor Story to the Braves in exchange for catcher Sean Murphy. This potential move could help both teams fill critical gaps, but with significant risks and rewards on both sides.
For the Red Sox, the trade would address a key weakness—defensive inconsistency behind the plate. Connor Wong, Boston’s current starting catcher, showed promise offensively, posting a respectable 110 OPS+ in 2024. However, Wong’s defensive struggles were glaring, as he posted a negative-14 defensive runs saved, which ultimately hurt the Red Sox’s playoff chances. Murphy, a seasoned veteran with a strong defensive track record, could be the defensive upgrade Boston needs to bolster its chances in 2025.
Sean Murphy, the Braves’ All-Star catcher, had a difficult 2024 season. Although he earned his first All-Star selection in 2023, Murphy suffered a torn oblique early in the season, limiting him to just 72 games. His offensive numbers took a hit as a result, finishing with a career-worst 76 OPS+ despite hitting 10 home runs and driving in 25 RBIs. However, Murphy’s defensive prowess remained intact, as he saved four defensive runs in 2024, showcasing his ability to handle a pitching staff and control the game behind the plate. For the Red Sox, acquiring Murphy would not only improve their defense but could also free up Wong to focus more on his offensive development.
On the Braves’ side, the addition of Trevor Story would help shore up their infield depth. Story is a two-time All-Star who spent the past few seasons with the Red Sox after leaving the Colorado Rockies. While Story’s defensive ability at shortstop is undeniable, his offensive output has been inconsistent since his arrival in Boston. The 30-year-old struggled in 2024 with a .733 OPS in just 106 plate appearances, and his injury-prone nature has raised concerns about his durability. Story has missed significant time in the past, playing just 163 games in the first three seasons of his Red Sox tenure, and his contract, which includes $72.5 million owed through 2027, makes him a risky acquisition for any team.
The key question for the Braves is whether they would be willing to take on the financial burden of Story’s contract, given his injury history and subpar performance. Despite his All-Star pedigree, the Braves might hesitate, especially considering the stability they already have at shortstop with Dansby Swanson. If the Braves were to make the deal, it would likely hinge on whether they believe Story can return to his previous All-Star form, which included a .863 OPS in his six seasons with the Rockies. For a team like Atlanta, which has World Series aspirations, it’s a gamble worth considering if Story can regain his former productivity.
For the Red Sox, moving Story would be about more than just freeing up shortstop for their top prospect, Marcelo Mayer. Mayer, ranked as the team’s No. 3 prospect, is ready for the MLB, but Story’s presence at shortstop has kept the highly touted 21-year-old in the minors. A trade that involves moving Story could expedite Mayer’s ascent to the majors, allowing the Red Sox to get a better look at their future while improving their catching situation in the short term with Murphy.
While the financials of the trade might be tricky, with the Red Sox potentially needing to absorb some of Story’s salary or add additional pieces to sweeten the deal, the overall idea behind the swap could benefit both teams. The Red Sox would be getting a defensively solid catcher in Murphy, whose ability to handle pitchers and improve behind the plate could be invaluable for a team still trying to contend in the American League. The Braves would gain a veteran shortstop with the potential to bring stability and leadership to their infield.
However, there are plenty of risks involved for both sides. Story’s injury history and struggles in recent seasons make him a gamble for Atlanta, while Murphy’s offensive downturn in 2024 raises questions about his consistency. Both teams would have to weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering the long-term impact of this deal, especially given Story’s large contract. In the case of the Braves, their infield is already solid, and the addition of Story might not be enough to outweigh the financial and performance risks.
The decision-making for both teams becomes even more complex when you consider their current roster situations. The Braves are in win-now mode, aiming for another deep playoff run, while the Red Sox are still in a rebuilding phase with a focus on youth development, particularly with Mayer. Adding Murphy could help the Red Sox stay competitive in the short term, but moving Story would also signal a commitment to the next generation, possibly even facilitating a more aggressive rebuild if they decide to fully embrace youth.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this potential trade is the possibility of a change of scenery for both players. For Murphy, a fresh start in Boston could help him regain his 2023 All-Star form, especially in a lineup with more offensive support than he had in Atlanta last season. On the other hand, Story might thrive in a different environment, away from the high expectations in Boston, with a chance to return to the level of play that made him one of the league’s top shortstops.
If the trade were to happen, it could be a transformative deal for both teams, altering their rosters and shaping the direction of their respective seasons. For the Red Sox, the move would likely lead to a stronger defense behind the plate, a more accelerated development timeline for Mayer, and perhaps even a more balanced roster. For the Braves, acquiring Story would provide them with a potential infield upgrade, but they would need to take a significant risk with his health and contract.
Ultimately, the trade hinges on the valuation of each player’s long-term potential and the current financial landscape. Would the Braves be willing to take on the risk of Story’s contract and his injury history? Would the Red Sox be willing to trade away a potential cornerstone like Story to improve their catching defense and expedite Mayer’s development? The answer to these questions could determine whether this bold proposal becomes reality or fades into the realm of offseason speculation.
This trade proposal is sure to spark plenty of debate among fans and analysts alike, and if it were to come to fruition, it could have a lasting impact on both teams as they push forward in the 2025 season.