Murphy showed some promise with a 4.50 ERA and 2.50ish FIP in 12 innings after signing last year between the FCL and Augusta, notching 17 strikeouts in those 12 innings. His fastball is potentially his one plus pitch, but all four offerings could be average or better, as well as his command. At that time, he was coming in for his age-19 season with a promising four-pitch mix and feel for throwing strikes, but would likely need some time to develop as a two-way, former multi-sport athlete from a cold-weather state.
Murphy ranked second on our preseason version of the Top 25 prospect list, behind only AJ Smith-Shawver. The 6’1”, 190-pound right hander turned 20 at the end of September. Murphy signed for a slightly below-slot bonus at $2.56 million.
The Braves made Murphy the 20th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Riverside-Brookfield HS in Brookfield, Illinois. In 2023, Owen Murphy had his first full professional season after being taken by the Atlanta Braves in the first round last summer.
