Braves sign catcher Murphy to 6-year deal

The Atlanta Braves have signed catcher Sean Murphy to a $73 million, six-year deal.

The deal signed Tuesday will allow Atlanta to keep another player long-term. It includes an alternative to renew the club for 2029 for 15 million dollars, without a buyout clause, which could bring the total value to 88 million.

Murphy will earn $4 million in 2023, $9 million in 2024 and $15 million each season from 2025-28. He has agreed to donate 1% of his annual salary to the Atlanta Braves Foundation.

After the uncertainty of playing for the last four seasons with the oakland athleticsa low-budget team, Murphy is eager to put down roots in Atlanta, with a club that has won five straight NL East titles and won the World Series of 2021.

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

The deal follows a pattern in which the Braves have signed new deals with players still under club control for an extended period. In the past year, they’ve signed long-term sluggers Austin Riley and Matt Olson, as well as rookie stars Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider.

Previously, Atlanta signed similar deals with Venezuelan outfielder Ronald Acuna and Curacao second baseman Ozzie Albies. Thus, the club has guaranteed that seven key players have a contract for at least three more seasons, with options that could extend their tenure even further.

“It’s an honor to be included in that combination,” Murphy said. “Going forward, I can only see that this team will be great for years to come.”

Murphy, 28, was acquired from the A’s shortly after the winter meetings in a three-team trade, including the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Braves sent star catcher William Contreras and minor league pitcher Justin Yeager to the Brewers. Another Venezuelan, rookie catcher Manny Piña, left for Oakland, along with pitching prospects Kyle Muller, Freddy Tarnok and Royber Salinas.