[ad_1]
The Giants are in settlement with free agent catcher Tom Murphy on a two-year cope with a 2026 membership possibility, in keeping with a number of reviews. The Ballengee Group consumer is reportedly assured $8MM, together with a $250K buyout on the choice.
Murphy heads to the Bay Space after 5 seasons within the Pacific Northwest. The appropriate-handed hitter performed a semi-regular function throughout his time with the Mariners. On a price foundation, Murphy has been one of the crucial productive energy bats on the catcher place.
In 807 plate appearances with Seattle, Murphy blasted 38 dwelling runs. He hit .250/.324/.460 general, effectively above-average offense in one of many sport’s extra pitcher-friendly dwelling parks. That’s glorious manufacturing for a #2 catcher. Nonetheless, that Murphy has solely stepped to the plate 807 instances over the past 5 years additionally factors to a regarding damage historical past.
Going again to the beginning of 2020, the Buffalo product has missed time with a fractured left foot, a left shoulder dislocation and a sprained left thumb. The foot damage value him the complete shortened season, whereas the shoulder restricted him to 14 video games in 2022. Final season’s thumb difficulty, suffered in mid-August, ended his 12 months.
Regardless of the damage historical past, it’s straightforward to see the attraction of bringing Murphy aboard on a reasonably low-cost contract. He’ll add a authentic energy presence because the backup behind 24-year-old Patrick Bailey. He’ll strike out a good quantity as effectively, however there aren’t many depth catchers who’ve the identical form of slugging upside that Murphy possesses.
The 32-year-old (33 in April) isn’t as highly-regarded on the opposite facet of the ball. Statcast graded him beneath common from each framing and blocking views. He solely threw out considered one of 28 tried basestealers in 2023. Whereas that’s not completely on the catcher — a pitcher’s skill to carry runners can be an element — Statcast ranked Murphy 69th out of 74 catchers (minimal 10 throws) in common pop time to second base.
Signing Murphy might sign the forthcoming finish of Joey Bart’s time in San Francisco. The second general choose in 2018, Bart has hit solely .219/.288/.335 in 162 large league contests. This 12 months marked his remaining minor league possibility season, which means San Francisco must carry him on the MLB roster or make him obtainable to different golf equipment through commerce or waivers.
Bailey and Murphy are the highest two on the depth chart. Blake Sabol additionally appears forward of Bart on the organizational hierarchy, though he has a trio of choices and will play the nook outfield. Even when the Giants have been to ship Sabol to Triple-A, there’s not a lot worth in preserving Bart as a sparsely-used third catcher. A sell-low commerce of the previous high prospect this offseason appears possible.
The Giants had a payroll within the $155MM vary earlier than the Murphy signing, in keeping with Roster Resource. A near-$4MM wage would push that north of $158MM. The contract’s $4MM common annual worth places their luxurious tax quantity round $192MM, about $45MM beneath subsequent 12 months’s lowest threshold.
Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic first reported the edges have been nearing a multi-year deal, in addition to the $8MM assure. Jon Heyman of the New York Post was first with an settlement. Jon Morosi of MLB.com reported it was a two-year assure with a third-year possibility. Jeff Passan of ESPN was first with the $250K possibility buyout.
Picture courtesy of USA At present Sports activities.
[ad_2]
Source link
