One of the two main trade deadline targets for the San Diego Padres is a catcher. With Martin Maldanado and Elis Diaz being massive disappointments this season, and Luis Campusano struggling in the Majors, the Padres need to find a new catcher.

The Padres could look to the Atlanta Braves for a catcher, with the team being one of the ideal teams to land a proven catcher from. However, after a new report from Robert Murray of Fansided.com, the Padres are seemingly out on their top catcher option.

"This season has been a struggle for the Braves," Murray writes, "With the team 40-51 and in fourth place in the National League East. But the Braves want to contend in 2026 and (rightfully) believe that having Sale - and other controllable long-term pieces still on the roster - will be the best way to get the franchise back in the postseason."

According to Murray, the Braves are not trading anyone on their roster who is signed for more than just the 2025 season. Unfortunately for the Padres, Sean Murphy, their top trade target at catcher, is signed for more than just 2025.

This report from Murray is bad news for the Padres, with Murphy fitting the description of one of the players the Braves won't trade. The 3-year-old Braves catcher is signed through the 2028 season, meaning his odds of being traded are slim.

MORE: Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. shares hilarious story amid All-Star selection

Even with the emergence of Drake Baldwin, a rookie catcher who could take over for the Braves, Murphy is still not expected to be dealt. Murray's report puts a stop to his trade availability, a tough blow for the Padres.

He's on a $73 million deal and would cost a lot of prospects to acquire. But the Padres would still benefit from pursuing him in a deal, as he'd be a massive upgrade over their current catchers. 

Murphy has a .787 OPS this season, while Maldanado has a .524 OPS and Diaz has a .576 OPS. Neither has been good for the Padres defensively, as Diaz (-1) and Maldanado (-7) both have negative Fielding Run Value according to Baseball Savant this season. Murphy, in comparison, has a four FRV.

With the lackluster catcher market outside of the Braves' All-Star catcher, the Padres' odds of landing a catcher they could benefit from aren't great. Due to their huge need at the position, this report is a huge blow to the Padres' potential trade deadline plans.

Now, after this report from Murray, the Padres lose out on one of their top trade deadline targets. He would've been a nice addition to the lineup, especially since he'd replace the below-average hitters the Padres are running out at catcher right now.

MORE MLB NEWS:

• Tigers linked to six reliever options at MLB trade deadline
• Astros trade proposal sends top prospect to Rays for All-Star second baseman
• Cardinals trade proposal sends Ryan Helsley to Phillies for two prospects
• Guardians listening to trade inquiries for All-Star Steven Kwan
• MLB teams circling Guardians like 'bloodthirsty sharks' ahead of trade deadline
• Tigers could trade for Alex Bregman if Red Sox extension talks fail