The Angels have declined their $7MM club option on outfielder David Murphy, Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports on Twitter. Instead, he’ll receive a $500K buyout.
It’s not terribly surprising to see the move. Murphy, 34, remains a useful player, and the Angels have deep pockets, but that price tag always seemed a bit steep given the team’s needs and desire to stay below the luxury tax line.
Murphy came to Los Angeles at the trade deadline, as did fellow veteran outfielders Shane Victorino and David DeJesus. But Murphy saw more action than the others.
He ultimately slashed .283/.318/.421 in 391 plate appearances on the year, with ten home runs, but put up better numbers in the first half with the Indians. Murphy saw virtually no action against lefties last year and has rather severe career platoon splits.
Now that he’s set to return to the open market, Murphy will join a group of other left-handed-hitting, non-premium outfielders that includes Gerardo Parra and Alejandro De Aza. Los Angeles could still utilize some form of platoon arrangement in left, as it did down the stretch, but will surely be interested in testing the top of the market first. Indeed, it cleared the way for that possibility by passing on Murphy’s option.
Only “top of the market” lefty outfielders in FA are Alex Gordon and Jason Heyward. Not likely to avoid luxury tax signing one of those two, and both might in fact stay where they are. I’m thinking trade here, with the Angels sending CJ Wilson and a major prospect (if they have one) for an elite lefty OF. Maybe Cargo?
The only real elite angels prospect is pitcher Sean Newcomb and it’s probably next to impossible to see a scenario where he would get traded for an OF player. Halos will probably patch up their LF position like they did last season, sucks but that probably what will happen.
Cargo did have a good 2015 season but with 2/37 remaining on his contract he isn’t much cheaper, from an AAV, standpoint than the “top of the market” outfielders.
Although 7 million is quite pricey for a 4th outfielder, he probably earned it this year. Im a little surprised at this decision, considering he’ll likely make that much on the FA market
Makes perfect sense. Angels are gearing up to make a run at real middle of the order lefty bat to play left field. Question is, who?
Thank God Ryan Braun bats right handed. Would hate to see him be traded to the Angels. Don’t need Vernon Wells 2.