Getty Image / Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves
The MLB offseason has been rather exciting so far. With multiple big free-agent signings and trades, there hasn’t been a dull moment yet.
However, fans across the league were wildly confused on Monday after the Atlanta Braves made big three-way trade with the Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers.
According to Jeff Passan, the Braves acquired catcher Sean Murphy from the Athletics. Meanwhile, the Brewers picked up star catcher William Contreras, along with pitchers Justin Yeager and Joel Payamps. In the three-team deal, the Athletics walked away with a handful of players.
Full trade, per ESPN sources:
Atlanta gets: C Sean Murphy
Oakland gets: LHP Kyle Muller, UT Esteury Ruiz, RHP Freddy Tarnok, RHP Royber Salinas, C Manny Piña
Milwaukee gets: C William Contreras, RHP Justin Yeager, RHP Joel Payamps
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 12, 2022
As you can imagine, MLB fans are a bit confused over the whole deal. Why would the Braves trade a 22-year-old star catcher in William Contreras for Sean Murphy? Don’t get us wrong, Murphy is a great player, but does he really make Atlanta better?
Fans seem to think the Brewers easily won this trade while the Athletics make a move that doesn’t make them better in the slightest.
What a weird trade. Like I get sending out Manny pina as we already had two great catchers but like, don’t really see the need when we have holes in LF and SS. If they were going to trade for someone, I feel like it should have been for those instead of another C
— JillValentine (@JillVal12) December 12, 2022
Tell us how you really feel.
Milwaukee showed up to this cookout, had two steaks, made a to-go plate, and all they brought was a bag of napkins. The Braves got a steak too, but they brought a respectable side dish. The A’s paid for all the steaks and got a flat tire on the way.
— TheTrackSportsTalkATL Jake (1-0 in GOTYs) (@cantguardjake) December 12, 2022
Well, MLB fans seem positive the Brewers are going to be good next year.
Milwaukee FLEECED everyone
— Philly Sports Sufferer 🇺🇸 (@mccrystal_alex) December 12, 2022
Braves fans are in their feels.
theres just no way
— Honest Braves Fan 🎄 (@HonestBravesFan) December 12, 2022
MLB fans might be talking about this one for a long time. Maybe the Braves have some tricks up their sleeves, as the fanbase clearly hopes the general manager finds an upgrade at outfield and shortstop. This deal did them no favors in that department.