Oakland A’s need to make decision on Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy would seem to be the last of the Oakland A’s problems. With four more years of team control left, and having not yet reached arbitration, it would seem as though Murphy would be one of the few players on the A’s that the team would refrain from dealing away.
That is not necessarily the case. While it is known that the A’s are planning to unload virtually anyone making over the league minimum, any player on their roster could be had for the right price. This includes Murphy, who can reportedly be had for the right offer.
Sean Murphy still part of Oakland A’s future?
Murphy would seem to be the answer for the A’s behind the plate for years to come. He won his first Gold Glove award this past season and is viewed as someone who could win the award multiple times. He has solid pop, draws walks at an above average rate, and at 27 years old, is just entering his prime.
The question is whether or not Murphy will hit enough to make that power matter. He has produced a .222/.321/.431 batting line in his 648 plate appearances, with his batting average leading the A’s to wonder if he can be the player they need. That was the case last year, as he lost playing time to Yan Gomes down the stretch.
One can argue that Murphy has had a great deal of bad luck with the batted ball thus far in his career. He has consistently squared up the ball and hit it hard when he makes contact. His expected career batting line – .236/.340/.444 – would likely answer any questions about his ability to produce.
In the end, it does not make sense to trade Murphy – yet. While the A’s have intriguing prospects behind the plate in Kyle McCann and Tyler Soderstrom, they are a long way from the majors. Prospects are also not a given; for as well as McCann and Soderstrom have performed, and how bright of a future they may have, there is no guarantee that they live up to their potential.
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The Oakland A’s are reportedly willing to discuss Sean Murphy in trade talks. That should not be the case, at least at this point in his career.