Daniel Murphy might return to the New York Mets depending if the team gives him a decent offer, but rumors suggest he's more than likely to leave in free agency. What other MLB clubs could pay a high price for the free agent infielder?
Murphy certainly limited his market with his postseason performance. His offensive surge in the NLDS and NLCS that propelled the Mets to the World Series earned him millions more than his regular season campaign would have. Tim Dierks of MLBTradeRumors.com predicts he'll get $56 million over four years.
Here are a few teams we think could be in the running for Murphy.
3. Colorado Rockies
No, they're not the most attractive destination, but with a new regime in place it's possible the franchise begins to turn things around. Rumors earlier in the offseason suggested the Rockies have internally discussed the possibility of signing Murphy to play first base, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
If Jose Reyes gets suspended without pay for his alleged domestic violence incident, then the Rockies would undoubtedly have room in the payroll to give Murphy a good offer.
Additionally, perhaps Murphy's days of playing second and third base are behind him. He's not exactly an astute defender (despite his versatility), so a move to first base could help him in the latter years of his career. And what better place to hit in Colorado, especially as a left-handed batter?
The Rockies are just a few pitchers away from being a threat. Their offense has been among the best in the MLB behind Nolan Arenado, Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon, D.J. LeMahieu and others. Murphy would benefit being surrounded by such players in the lineup.
2. Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles are perhaps the team with the most to accomplish this offseason. They are set to lose free agents Chris Davis, Wei-Yin Chen, Darren O'Day, Gerardo Parra, Steve Pearce and others. That leaves a number of holes on the roster, and they're severely disadvantaged due to payroll restrictions.
The O's have expressed interest in Murphy earlier this month and they could still be considering the possibility. Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com says the Orioles "like him and could enter the bidding over the winter."
Murphy would also likely play first base in this scenario because the Orioles are set with Manny Machado at third and Jonathan Schoop at second. The veteran would fill the void that Davis is expected to leave as he's projected to sign a $100 million deal.
Baltimore could afford a $50 million deal for Murphy and perhaps keep Parra on a $40 million contract as well, which would fill two voids for less than the price of Davis. The Orioles can also afford to surrender the first-round draft pick when signing Murphy (he rejected the qualifying offer) because Davis and Chen also rejected the QO and are expected to sign elsewhere.
If GM Dan Duqette can't retain his incumbent free agents, expect him to make a play for Murphy.
1. Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles can use Murphy in a multitude of ways. His bat would certainly benefit in a lineup with Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Kole Calhoun and others, and the Angels could use him at first base, second base, third base and DH.
Also, Pujols may not be ready in time for Opening Day due to foot surgery, so Murphy could fill in at first in the meantime. David Freese is hitting free agency and Kaleb Cowart and Kyle Kutbitza perhaps need some more time to develop. Los Angeles could use an upgrade over Johnny Giovatella at second base as well.
"Should the Angels eschew the concept of shoring up infield defense with a Zobrist-type at second base, they could opt for someone such as Daniel Murphy," writes FOX Sports. "Adding Murphy would ostensibly help increase the club's offensive depth, but it would do so at a defensive cost...even with Simmons over there at shortstop."
Well, there aren't many other formidable defensive options available in free agency and Murphy's bat is more valuable than many infielders throughout the MLB. Signing Murphy for around $50 million is well within the Angels' financial parameters and he would provide relief for them at multiple positions in the event they aren't prepared to usher in the youngsters at third or have Pujols begin the season at first.
The only problem is that they're also in the market for a left fielder and there are a lot of expensive options in free agency. If they decide to go with Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton or another big name, Murphy may not be in play anymore.
Nonetheless, this scenario seems to make a lot of sense and it wouldn't be surprising to see Murphy on the West Coast at the start of 2016.
