The Sean Murphy trade was already a disappointment for the Oakland A’s.
Considering that Murphy was considered one of the best catchers available, be it in free agency or the trade market, the A’s were expected to receive an impressive haul for his services. Instead, the A’s received a backup catcher in Manny Pina, a probable fourth outfielder in Esteury Ruiz, and pitchers Royber Salinas, Kyle Muller, and Freddy Tarnok for their Gold Glove backstop. Once again, the Braves fleeced the A’s.
Of course the Atlanta Braves locked Sean Murphy up to an extension
Acquiring Murphy and his three years of team control at a relative pittance was not enough for the Braves. They also signed him to a six year extension worth $73 million which includes an option for the 2029 season. This makes the second consecutive offseason that the Braves acquired a player from Oakland, only to extend them shortly thereafter, as they did the same with Matt Olson.
As was the case with the Olson extension, this appears to be a distinct discount. It also shows that, had A’s ownership been willing to actually invest in their core, they could have kept these players together. But such actions do not help the bank account.
Instead, Murphy’s extension, as was the case with Olson’s, makes the trade look even worse. The return for Oakland had been questionable at best, with Muller the best of the prospects that came back. Unless he develops into a top of the rotation arm, while Ruiz and Tarnok become solid major league options, this trade will be yet another regretable move. That extension just makes it look even worse.
The Oakland A’s did not get enough for Sean Murphy. His new extension with the Atlanta Braves makes that deal look even worse.