The Braves big move this offseason came via a blockbuster trade with the Athletics (again), acquiring Gold Glove backstop Sean Murphy. They sent Kyle Muller, Freddy Tarnok, Manny Piña and Royber Salinas to Oakland while (somehow) the Brewers landed All-Star catcher William Contreras.
Of the three pitchers the Braves sent to the Athletics, Kyle Muller was the most highly touted. According to most outlets, he was the top prospect in the organization, and he pitched like it on Opening Day for Oakland. He won the job as the A’s #1 pitcher coming out of camp and tossed five innings of one-run ball yesterday against Shohei Ohtani and the Angles.
Former #Braves LHP Kyle Muller tossed 5 innings of 1-run ball (4H, 1BB, 3K) in his Opening Day start for Oakland against Shohei Ohtani and the Angels.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) March 31, 2023
Like Cristian Pache, Muller is one of those players I will be rooting for from afar. I thought he had a real chance of cracking the Braves rotation this season before the trade. But Atlanta had an embarrassment of riches when it came to major-league caliber starting pitchers. Swinging a few for one of the best catchers in the game was a no-brainer. The only way they lose this trade is if Murphy struggles and William Contreras continues his ascension after making an All-Star game last year.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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