The Nationals got some last-minute Christmas shopping done by agreeing to a three-year, $37.5MM deal with Daniel Murphy today. Here’s some of the early reaction to the signing…
- The Nationals asked about Murphy at the trade deadline in 2014 and have long liked him, Mark Zuckerman tweets. Murphy was an even better fit given the Nats’ need for a solid left-handed hitter in their lineup.
- Murphy’s lefty swing might’ve been a key factor in his signing, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports (Twitter links). Rosenthal had heard that Murphy was a “low priority” for Washington as the team looked for second base alternatives after a proposed trade for Brandon Phillips fell apart. Since the Nats had such a glaring need for a left-handed hitter, that gave Murphy the edge over fellow free agent Howie Kendrick (a right-handed hitter) or other trade options.
- In another set of tweets from Rosenthal, he believes the qualifying offer played a role in Murphy’s contract. Any team signing Murphy would’ve had to give up a first-rounder (or second-rounder, in the case of a protected pick) as compensation, so the Nats had to surrender the 17th overall pick in the draft. Since that pick had a rough valuation of $10MM, that “amounts to a tax” beyond what the team was willing to pay Murphy. If teams were hesitant about giving up a pick for Murphy, that may well have depressed his market; MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes thought Murphy would sign for a four-year/$56MM deal this offseason.
- Though Murphy and Anthony Rendon can both play second and third, MLB.com’s William Ladson sees Murphy and Danny Espinosa as the current favorites to be Washington’s Opening Day middle infielders (Twitter links). Since Murphy is a below-average defender, however, Ladson sees the Nats acquiring a glove-first bench option to spell Murphy in the late innings of games. Espinosa himself might eventually fill this role, though that will depend on when or if Trea Turner is able to take over the everyday shortstop job.
- Murphy going to D.C. adds even more depth to an already-burgeoning rivalry between the Nationals and Mets, the New York Times’ Tim Rohan writes. Rohan recaps Murphy’s important role in this era of Mets baseball and also the reasons why he was ultimately an expendable piece for the club.
If he had taken the QO (15.8) I bet he could have negotiated a contract valued more than 21.7 in 2017 and 2018. Oh, Murph. Perhaps there are some unreported incentives or an opt-out.
Disagree. If he’d taken the qualifying offer, he would have to have hoped he had a big year. The Mets had no interest in extending Murph, They put the QO on the table because odds were strong that he’d bolt. After the October he had, his value was pretty high. And the contract he ultimately got shows you what the market was for him at a high. Imagine he played for 15.8 mil and had a lousy season? He’d be lucky to get a contract like De Aza got. Good move for Murph, Great move for the Mets, Instead of paying 25 million for Murphy and Niese, they’re paying 18 mil for Walker and Colon, with Wheeler on the horizon. They get a # 1 pick, their biggest rival loses its # 1 pick and just downgraded its infield defense to boot. Win win win win for the Mets.
Probably a good thing the mets didn’t trade him to the Nats at the deadline…
Daniel Murphy is a wonderful guy and a solid hitter but in all honesty; the worst second baseman I’ve ever watched day in day out. Sad to see him go to the Nationals but big picture; it was right for the Mets to pass on him.
I liked how the mets go Walker for Niese tho, it’s a decent win for both teams. Fills the need for pitching for the Pirates and we get a nice bat in lineup a hitting 2nd baseman very rare. With decent glove.
Murph helped us a lot but glad he got what he wanted. It’s just to much money they don’t have to spend on the player. Good luck to him next year.
Murphy never felt appreciated with the Mets until he had his run in the playoffs. He’s always wanted to be accepted, but the Mets brass never was willing to extend him. Players that go to another teams rival usually come back to haunt them.
The Mets appreciated him just fine. But they went out and replaced him with a more talented 2nd baseman in Walker, and have young Herrera waiting in AAA. Baseball teams don’t win on nostalgia and appreciation.
More talented? That ship has sailed, walker was used exclusively against lefties last year and his durability is only getting worse. Good luck getting a full productive year out of him.
At least the Mets will know where to hit the ball when they play the Nats. I can’t believe he didn’t sign with an AL team.
The Nats would be smart to pursue and Ehiré Adríanza or Paul Janish type that can be DFA’d once turner is called up.
The Mets wouldn’t have extended him for the extra three years–so I guess you were suggesting a second go around next year. He’s a very tough player to value–he’s not a star–doesn’t do anything exceptionally well–just a useful solid player. If he’s injured or slips just a bit in 2016, it could have damaged his market. It’s happened to other players–Drew, Johnny Damon, Ryan Madson.
The Nats got him for 3 million less than his value per year, a steal.
His value is whatever the open market dictates.
Based on what, the supposed value of WAR? Just about every contract is a steal going by that criteria, because it’s an inflated number. Even Rick Porcello’s extension would’ve been “a steal” based on his average bWAR the 2 years before he signed it (3.2). No teams are actually paying that much per WAR for anyone.
It’s a good deal for the Nats. But it’s also good for the Mets he’s no longer on their roster. Win-win.
I can see the Nats moving Murphy to third, and playing Rondon at second, and Turner at short. Murphy might play more games and be more productive than David Wright over the next three years.
The alignment makes sense. The comment on Murphy playing more games and being more productive than Wright is a huge stretch, though, for a couple of reasons. First, Wright would be more productive than Murphy if he plays half as many games. They’re at different talent levels. Secondly, I don’t think the Nats signed Murph to play everyday for the next 3 years. He’s better than a utility guy for them but down the road, they’re not going to want him playing everyday.
I really liked Murphy and now he’s gone