Sean Murphy needs to prove he is still the answer for the Oakland A’s

The Oakland A’s had high hopes for Sean Murphy heading into the 2021 season. His hard hit and barrel rates from 2020 belied his relatively low batting average, while his strong on base skills and latent power made Murphy a perfect breakout candidate.

That has not happened. Murphy has produced a disappointing .213/.304/.404 batting line in his 424 plate appearances this season, hitting 16 homers and 23 doubles. While the power is solid, his plate discipline has gone backwards, as Murphy has just 39 walks while striking out 107 times.

Sean Murphy being passed over by Oakland A’s

The A’s were already concerned enough about Murphy’s performance to bring Yan Gomes in at the trade deadline. The pair had been working in tandem through August, but the job is clearly Gomes’ now. Murphy has made just seven appearances this month in a critical stretch for the A’s postseason hopes.

He has not done anything to justify more playing time. Murphy has just four hits, although that includes a homer, in his 28 plate appearances, drawing a walk and striking out seven times. He has clearly lost the starting job, and that is not likely to change barring injury.

It does, however, bring into question Murphy’s future with the organization. Gomes is a free agent after this season, but he is likely to be relatively inexpensive. That A’s could consider bringing him back for 2022 as a potential backup with the idea that he can take over if needed.

Meanwhile, the A’s have several intriguing prospects behind the plate. Tyler Soderstrom is the organization’s top prospect, and while there are questions about his long term position, his bat has been everything they had hoped for. Drew Millas and Kyle McCann have plenty of potential as well, although they may not be ready for a couple of years.

Murphy will get chances because of his defense. He has saved three runs behind the plate and has done an admirable job in the running game. However, his bat is going to need to start showing more signs of life next season in order for him to reclaim his stature as the A’s catcher of the present and future.

Sean Murphy has been relegated to a backup role down the stretch. The Oakland A’s will need to see a lot more from him in 2022.