Oakland A’s: Sean Murphy makes Topps All Star Rookie Team

Oakland A’s catcher Sean Murphy made an impact as a rookie, with his performance leading to his being named to the Topps All Star Rookie Team.

Sean Murphy had a solid rookie season for the Oakland A’s, showing the potential to be exactly what they had hoped their young catcher would be. Despite a slow start to the season, Murphy came alive with the bat over the final 40 games, leading to a fourth place finish in the AL Rookie of the Year voting and a great deal of excitement for his future.

That production also caught the attention of Topps. On Saturday, they announced their All Star Rookie Team, with Murphy as their selection at catcher.

ICYMI: 2020 Topps All-Star Rookie Team Revealed!The Topps All-Star Rookie Team was first selected in 1959, which…

Posted by Topps on Saturday, November 21, 2020

The Toops All Star Rookie Team has had some of the greats of the game amongst those honored. Hall of Fame players such as Willie McCovey, Chipper Jones, and Derek Jeter had that designation, with this honor being just the beginning of an incredible career.

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Murphy had a solid rookie campaign to start his career on the right foot. Although he had a dreadful start to the season, his hard hit rate and exit velocity showed that improvement was around the corner. That tuned out to be the case, as those well struck balls found safety over the latter part of the season.

Overall, Murphy produced a respectable .233/.364/.457 batting line in his 140 plate appearances, hitting five doubles and seven homers. He showed impressive plate discipline, with 24 walks, striking out 37 times. Murphy was also solid defensively, showing a strong arm while showing that his Gold Glove projection may be a reality.

While this honor is a nice start, the A’s are hoping this is just the beginning. Murphy is the type of player that Oakland needs to be a building block, an excellent all around catcher who can be a long term answer at the position.

Sean Murphy has impressed thus far in his brief career. The Oakland A’s catcher was recognized for that strong season, being named to the Topps All Star Rookie Team.