Former Cleveland Guardians trade target Sean Murphy has been dealt to the Atlanta Braves

The Cleveland Guardians will have to figure out another plan at catcher for 2023, as trade target Sean Murphy has been dealt to the Atlanta Braves.

The Braves had been connected to Murphy over the past couple weeks, as Atlanta is quickly becoming a major trade partner with the A's, dating back to the Matt Olson deal before last season. Interestingly enough, that deal included the Braves sending catching prospect Shea Langeliers to Oakland. This is oversimplifying the whole thing, but after a whole lot of maneuvering, both teams have now essentially swapped catchers.

The Brewers were also involved in the three-team deal that sees Milwaukee getting - you guessed it - a catcher in William Contreras and Oakland getting yet another catcher in Manny Piña. It's a catcher frenzy, baby!

As for the Guardians, they will now set their sights on the rest of the catching market. A trade for a catcher could still be possible (looking at you, Toronto), but free agents like Christian Vazquez and, yes, Austin Hedges are still out there as well. There were rumors going around in the past week that Oakland's asking price was exceptionally high, and it's doubtful the Guardians were willing to part with much, if any, major-league talent to acquire Murphy.

As far as prospect capital goes, maybe Cleveland is saving up for a run at a certain Pirates outfielder who recently requested a trade out of Pittsburgh...