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.

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.

Mickey Moniak has emerged victorious in his salary arbitration case against the Los Angeles Angels, receiving a raise to $2 million, while the team had proposed $1.5 million. This decision comes from the arbitration panel after hearing arguments from both sides.

Mark Leiter Jr. is also in the spotlight, becoming the first player to face a hearing with the New York Yankees since 2017. He requested $2.5 million, while the Yankees countered with an offer of $2.05 million. His decision will be announced alongside that of Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia and Pirates pitcher Dennis Santana.

Meanwhile, San Diego pitcher Michael King reached an agreement with the Padres for $7.75 million, after being acquired from the Yankees in the trade for Juan Soto. In addition, Milwaukee catcher William Contreras agreed to a $6.1 million deal, showcasing his standout performance from the previous season.

Moniak's statistics from last year included a .219 batting average with 14 home runs and a career-high 49 RBIs. This was his first arbitration eligibility after earning $770,000 previously. Several other players, including Luis Rengifo of the Angels and Nathaniel Lowe of the Nationals, are also set for hearings, highlighting a busy arbitration season.

William Contreras, a two-time All-Star catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, has finalized a one-year contract worth $6.1 million, successfully avoiding arbitration. Contreras had initially sought a salary of $6.5 million, while the Brewers had offered him $5.6 million. His new contract includes a team option for the 2026 season. In the previous season, Contreras posted impressive statistics with a .281 batting average, .365 on-base percentage, 23 home runs, and 92 RBIs across 155 games. He also had a strong performance in 2023, with a .289 batting average, .367 on-base percentage, 17 homers, and 78 RBIs in 141 contests. Notably, he has been recognized as the Brewers' most valuable player by the local chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America for two consecutive seasons.

Johan Oviedo, a right-handed pitcher, faced a setback in his salary arbitration, settling for $850,000 instead of the $1.15 million he sought after a 9-14 season with a 4.32 ERA. This ruling marks the first arbitration decision of the year, delivered by a panel of arbitrators shortly after hearing arguments. Oviedo's earnings last year were $765,000, reflecting his struggle in four seasons split between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he holds a 4.32 ERA overall.

Meanwhile, Dennis Santana also entered arbitration with the Pirates, aiming for a salary increase to $2.1 million from his current $1 million, while the team offered $1.4 million. Santana's performance included a 3-1 record and 3.89 ERA in 62 relief appearances last season. As the arbitration hearings continue until February 14, other notable cases include Nathaniel Lowe, Michael King, and William Contreras, who are vying for substantial salary increases.