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St. Louis Cardinals considered potential landing spot for Sean Murphy

By David Hill

Oct 4, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Sean Murphy (12) hits a single during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Sean Murphy (12) hits a single during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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It is a matter of when, not if, the Oakland A’s trade Sean Murphy this offseason.

The A’s have enviable catching depth, especially with top prospect Shea Langeliers ready to establish himself at the major league level. And there had been trade talks involving Murphy before the deadline, with the Red Sox and Guardians in hot pursuit of the defending Gold Glove winner. While those two teams should be involved in his trade market, the St. Louis Cardinals could emerge as a factor.

St. Louis Cardinals make sense as Sean Murphy trade partners

The topic of Murphy and the Cardinals had been brought up early in the MLB Trade Rumors chat on Wednesday. As noted in the chat, Murphy is going to be costly in terms of a trade, but the Cardinals do have the types of players in the upper levels of their farm system, and even in the majors, that could be a solid package for his services.

For the first time in over a decade, there is a question behind the plate in St. Louis. Yadier Molina has hung up the chest protector for the last time, with his next stop likely to be in Cooperstown. There is a giant void behind the plate, and while Ivan Herrera may be a solid catching prospect in his own right, the Cardinals may not want to have a rookie immediately replace a legendary figure in franchise history.

Murphy would be a perfect fit for what the Cardinals look for behind the plate. Not only does he have the type of defensive presence that the Cardinals have gotten used to, but he is a leader behind the plate and not afraid to take charge. His solid bat and excellent power would be an upgrade in their lineup. And he would be far less expensive than other possible options in free agency.

It all comes down to what the Cardinals are willing to give up in trade. The aforementioned Red Sox and Guardians, potentially along with the Marlins and Twins, will be looking to add to the position. Murphy is going to continue to be a hot commodity until he is traded, with the A’s set to receive another impressive prospect haul.

Next. The underappreciated Sean Murphy. dark

The biggest question surrounding Sean Murphy this offseason will involve where he plays in 2023. The St. Louis Cardinals are a good fit for his services.