The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for the upcoming MLB season with catcher Sean Murphy in the spotlight, as he aims to prove that last year’s struggles are behind him. Following an injury-plagued season that saw his performance dip significantly, Murphy is determined to reclaim his All-Star form.

After a dismal .193 batting average in 2024, he faces pressure to deliver consistent performance, especially with expectations to catch a significant portion of the Braves' games. While he is under contract until the end of the decade, a promising prospect, Drake Baldwin, could pose a challenge if Murphy falters again.

With the Braves perceived by some as nearing the end of their championship window, Murphy’s resurgence is crucial not just for his career but for the team's aspirations in 2025. If he can turn things around, he might even be in contention for the Comeback Player of the Year award.

As the anticipation for the 2025 fantasy baseball draft season builds, identifying bounce-back players from the previous year becomes critical for success. Among the top candidates, Trevor Story of the Boston Red Sox stands out if he can overcome his injury woes. His previous metrics suggest a potential for significant contributions in home runs and steals if he maintains health.

Isaac Paredes, now with the Houston Astros, could thrive in his new ballpark despite a subpar 2024. Triston Casas, also of the Red Sox, is pegged for a resurgence based on his impressive second-half performance in 2023. Meanwhile, Atlanta's Sean Murphy looks to rebound from a disappointing season, with potential for better luck and health. Lastly, Bo Bichette has metrics that suggest he can reclaim his early-round fantasy value after a down year.

The catcher position in fantasy baseball is gaining respect in 2025, with many viable options for managers drafting in leagues that require a single starter. The depth at the position has increased thanks to managers' willingness to let catchers accumulate significant at-bats, aided by the universal DH rule. Top-tier players like William Contreras lead the pack, while others like Adley Rutschman and Salvador Pérez offer solid alternatives. As managers look for sleepers late in drafts, players like Austin Wells and Sean Murphy stand out as potential breakout candidates.

Wells, now the primary catcher for the Yankees, has shown growth in his offensive metrics. Murphy aims to bounce back after an injury-plagued season but has a strong historical performance. Joey Bart is looking to build on his progress with the Pirates, while Gabriel Moreno and Iván Herrera offer upside as late-round targets. The evolving landscape of the catcher position enhances the fantasy baseball experience, providing managers with more diverse choices.

Former Oakland A’s pitcher Dany Jimenéz has signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves worth $785,000, including an invite to Spring Training. This move highlights the Braves' trend of acquiring former A's players, as their current roster features notable former A's such as Grant Holmes and Sean Murphy.

Jimenéz, who had a notable stint with Oakland, has faced challenges in previous seasons with injuries and performance inconsistencies. Despite these setbacks, he displayed promise, particularly during the 2022 season, where he served as the A’s closer, securing 11 saves with a 3.41 ERA.

His addition to Atlanta comes at a time when the Braves are looking to bolster their bullpen, which ranked third in MLB with a 3.32 ERA. Jimenéz’s experience in high-pressure situations could provide valuable depth, especially considering Atlanta’s injury struggles last year.

The release of Spotify Wrapped has sparked a fun trend in Major League Baseball, with the league sharing its top-10 trending teams for 2024. The Atlanta Braves secured the eighth spot, driven by significant storylines throughout the season.

Key highlights include the acquisition of Chris Sale from the Boston Red Sox, who excelled with an 18-3 record and multiple accolades, including the Cy Young Award. However, the Braves faced challenges with injuries to star players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider, leading to the need for replacement players.

Additionally, the season was marked by weather disruptions, including a tropical storm that affected game scheduling, culminating in a dramatic finish as the Braves battled for playoff positioning against the New York Mets.