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Sean Murphy trade rumors: 3 potential landing spots for Oakland A’s catcher

By David Hill |
OAKLAND, CA - JULY 9: Sean Murphy #12 of the Oakland Athletics bats during the game against the Houston Astros at RingCentral Coliseum on July 9, 2022 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Astros 3-2. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JULY 9: Sean Murphy #12 of the Oakland Athletics bats during the game against the Houston Astros at RingCentral Coliseum on July 9, 2022 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Astros 3-2. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
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The Oakland A’s have a question about Sean Murphy’s future, and it is not because of anything he has done.

Murphy has developed into a solid catcher in his own right, a Gold Glove winner who also has plenty of pop and a respectable game at the plate. He enters the All Star Break with a solid .241/.308/.409 batting line with nine homers and 22 doubles in his 339 plate appearances. That combination would be more than enough for most teams, especially as he has three years of team control left after this season.

Three possible trade destinations for Oakland A’s catcher Sean Murphy

The problem is that Murphy is going to start costing money since he is entering arbitration. While that would not be an issue for most teams, the A’s are slashing payroll everywhere they possibly can. Meanwhile, Shea Langeliers is on the cusp of reaching the majors and has nothing to prove in Triple-A any longer. A move seems inevitable.

The Oakland A’s would have plenty of suitors should they put Sean Murphy on the trade block. Let’s look at three possible landing spots.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals need to find a long term solution once Yadier Molina retires at the end of the season. Sean Murphy could be the answer.

In theory, Ivan Herrera is the heir to Molina’s spot behind the plate. He does have the offensive capabilities to be a solid major leaguer, showing a strong ability to make contact and has decent power. The problem is that he is atrocious defensively. His pitch framing may have improved, but he has problems blocking balls in the first and his framing still remains below average, especially in the bottom of the zone.

That is not a problem with Murphy. The Cardinals’ pitching staff needs someone capable of taking charge behind the dish and who has the defensive ability to make a difference. Having a respectable bat that can slot in their solid lineup would be a bonus.

Trading for Murphy now would add a bit more time for the Oakland A’s catcher to get familiar with their pitching staff. He would have a couple of months to learn from Molina, further honing his craft, while building that rapport with the pitchers. Murphy would also be a perfect option in case Molina’s knee continues to give him issues.

The St. Louis Cardinals need to find their replacement for Yadier Molina in 2023. Sean Murphy could be the answer.

Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins are another team that needs to find a long term solution behind the plate.

Gary Sanchez may theoretically be a catcher, but his defensive issues have made him the Twins primary designated hitter this year. Sanchez is also a free agent after the season, and may cost more than the Twins want to spend to bring him back. Ryan Jeffers, the starting catcher, has not hit since the 2020 season, but is a strong defensive backstop.

The Twins also do not have much in the system behind the plate. None of their top 30 prospects per MLB.com are catchers. While they do have some intriguing options in the lower minors, it could take years before they can make an impact at the major league level.

Sean Murphy could solve all of those problems. He has the defense that Jeffers provides with more potential with the bat. He would also be that long term answer, slotting behind the plate for the next three seasons while those intriguing prospects have time to develop. As the Twins are looking to each the postseason, and actually win a game this time, they need all the help they can get.

The Minnesota Twins need to find a long term answer behind the plate. It is time to pick up the phone and call the Oakland A’s.

Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

San Francisco Giants

The Giants and Oakland A’s fanbases may not have much love for one another, but a trade could work out in both team’s favor.

Joey Bart was supposed to be the heir to Buster Posey, a former top prospect who was supposed to have the offensive potential to be a star. However, he has yet to hit at all in the majors, with a .210/.300/.344 batting line in his 253 plate appearances. At 25 years old, it is time that Bart shows something at the plate.

The Giants do, in theory, have their possible catcher of the future in their system. Patrick Bailey has the potential to be their answer behind the plate for the next decade. However, the same was said about Bart. And Bailey may not be ready until sometime in 2024.

Enter Sean Murphy. He would be a perfect option to serve behind the plate in case Bailey takes longer than expected to develop. Murphy would provide some needed power to their lineup while his Gold Glove defense could make a difference with a pitching staff that needs such a strong presence.

dark. Next. Montas recognizes reality of his situation

The San Francisco Giants need to find their long term answer behind the plate. Sean Murphy could be exactly that.

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