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Sean Murphy only Oakland A’s candidate for All MLB Team

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Catcher Sean Murphy #12 of the Oakland Athletics looks on against the Los Angeles Angels at RingCentral Coliseum on October 04, 2022 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Catcher Sean Murphy #12 of the Oakland Athletics looks on against the Los Angeles Angels at RingCentral Coliseum on October 04, 2022 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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The 2022 season may as well have been the Year of Sean Murphy for the Oakland A’s.

He was clearly regarded as one of the best catchers in the game, and possibly the best player on the A’s, last season. Murphy was named as a finalist for both the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards, a testament to his impressive all around play. It should not be a surprise that most teams in the majors would want to have him behind the plate.

Sean Murphy continues to be nominated for awards

His latest honor came on Thursday. Murphy was the only member of the Oakland A’s to be nominated for the All MLB Team, one of ten catchers vying for a place on the roster. The team will be determined through a combination of the fan vote and a panel of experts, with each side accounting for 50%.

Murphy had a strong showing in 2022. He was the A’s best hitter, posting a .250/.332/.426 batting line with 18 homers and 37 doubles in his 612 plate appearances. He made significant strides with his approach at the plate in the second half, drawing more walks while making significantly more contact, fueling what was a breakout campaign.

That does not factor in his defense either. Murphy was a standout with the glove once more, a Gold Glove finalist who threw out 31% of would-be basestealers and was a key part in the team setting a franchise record for the fewest passed balls in a season. His leadership and ability to take command of a pitching staff were prized attributes.

He is facing significant competition. And it certainly does not help that the A’s were a disaster last season, a team that the rest of the baseball world remembered only when it was at the trade deadline or to poke fun at their ineptitude. Murphy has quite the uphill battle to finish in the top five, let alone win the starting nod.

Next. Murphy trade rumors heating up. dark

Sean Murphy is continuing to garner recognition for his excellent 2022 campaign. He was named as a finalist for the All MLB Team on Thursday.