Although the Oakland A’s did not trade Sean Murphy at the deadline, they had plenty of suitors.
It had been known that the Guardians were interested in Murphy’s services, feeling that they were close to a deal. The Guardians were not the A’s only suitor for the catcher as the Boston Red Sox also had interest in Murphy’s services.
Another suitor revealed for Sean Murphy
That interest in Murphy made sense. The Red Sox had traded Christian Vazquez to the Astros and needed to find an option behind the plate. That would have been the case even if Vazquez remained after the deadline as he is set to be a free agent after the season.
Murphy would have been a solid replacement. Not only is he the type of defensive backstop they need, but he also has the type of power to have been an upgrade in their lineup. His .248/.323/.435 batting line with 13 homers and 26 doubles in his 406 plate appearances as his decreased strikeout rate has led to a breakthrough with the bat.
Those trade talks could be revisited this offseason. The Guardians had felt they were close to landing Murphy several times in their discussions, so it would make sense if the two sides re-ignited those discussions. The same could be the case with Boston, especially as Murphy has three years of team control left.
Murphy’s track record as a Gold Glove catcher, as well as his potential with the bat, will lead to a solid return for the A’s this offseason. There will be plenty of interest once he is back on the trade block. It appears that the Red Sox will be involved in any trade talks as well.
The Boston Red Sox were interested in Sean Murphy at the deadline. That interest could be renewed once the offseason begins.