ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31: Sean Murphy #12 of the Atlanta Braves walks off the field in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Truist Park on August 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
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The Atlanta Braves have seen a rotating cast at the backstop position, with young star Drake Baldwin and veteran Sean Murphy both struggling with injuries this season, and long-time backup Chadwick Tromp coming on and off the roster.
But in recent weeks the team has increasingly leaned on Murphy behind the plate after he returned from injury and found his stroke at the plate during an important stretch of the season.
“He has also been essential to the Braves’ pitch planning — an everyday luxury that was not available when both Murphy and Drake Baldwin went on the injured list mid-summer,” Jesus Cano reported for The Athletic. “The Braves went through five catchers during Murphy’s second stint on the IL.”
Murphy’s recent offensive surge has been a key development for the Braves. Since late August, he has enjoyed a 9-for-20 streak with three home runs and an OPS of 1.850, giving Atlanta another potent bat as it navigates a critical portion of the schedule.
That made the Braves’ latest signing a noteworthy one, as the team decided to add a depth backstop amid Murphy’s sudden surge.
Atlanta Braves Acquire Veteran Catcher Amid Sean Murphy Surge
On Tuesday, the Braves signed Haase to a minor league contract, according to the official transaction log, shortly after he was cut from the Chicago White Sox organization.
Haase brings nine years of major league experience to the organization, having appeared primarily at catcher while also spending time at designated hitter and first base during his career. His power has been one of his most notable offensive traits, making him a potentially useful depth option if Atlanta needs another experienced bat.
The 33-year-old catcher recently became available after a short stint with the White Sox’s Triple-A affiliate in Charlotte, which offered some encouraging results.
“In seven games with Triple-A Charlotte, Haase went 9-25,” Anthony Franco wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “He hit a couple doubles and a homer with five walks and strikeouts apiece. It’s a strong showing that seemingly pointed to Haase being granted his release to explore other opportunities.”
That performance helped Haase secure another opportunity, this time with a Braves organization that has firsthand experience with how quickly catching depth can become necessary.
Atlanta Braves Acquire Long-Time MLB Catcher Shortly After Cut
Atlanta’s decision to sign Haase just as Murphy seizes the everyday backstop role is an interesting one, but it gives the Braves another experienced player who can be developed at Triple-A in case either member of the big-league duo experience another injury setback.
That matters because Atlanta has already learned the risks of operating without enough established catching options. With Murphy and Baldwin both sidelined earlier this season, the Braves cycled through five catchers, making organizational depth particularly valuable.
Haase appears to give the Braves their go-to veteran option behind that established core.
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