Second baseman Daniel Murphy turned heads in the postseason when he helped lead the New York Mets to the World Series, but he could reportedly join the Washington Nationals for the 2016 campaign given the latest speculation.
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Nationals "Have Had Dialogue" with Murphy
Wednesday, Dec. 23
William Ladson of MLB.com confirmed Washington had talks with Murphy, although he also noted the team spoke with free-agent second baseman Howie Kendrick and that “either one would be a great” addition.
This isn’t the first time Washington looked for a new second baseman this offseason. The team nearly traded for Brandon Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds before it moved on after talks broke down, per FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal.
Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors described why adding Murphy could be more beneficial than signing Kendrick:
Murphy also brings something to the Nats that Kendrick cannot offer: a left-handed bat to balance out a highly right-handed lineup. Bryce Harper is the Nationals’ only left-handed-hitting regular in the lineup, which could leave the team susceptible to right-handed opponents. Murphy also showed considerably more power in 2015 than did Kendrick, clubbing 14 homers in the regular season before going on his notorious postseason power binge.
In all, Murphy hit .281 with 14 home runs, 73 RBI and a .771 OPS during the 2015 regular season, but the 30-year-old drilled seven home runs in nine games during New York’s run to the World Series in playoff showdowns with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. While his power fizzled in the Fall Classic (zero homers and only three base hits in 20 at-bats), he did enough to earn a look this offseason.
Perhaps the biggest concern with Murphy as a second-base option is his fielding. According to FanGraphs, he is responsible for minus-42 total defensive runs saved above average throughout the last five seasons at second base. While he is versatile enough to play first or third, those totals are worrisome for the Nationals or any team that adds him this offseason.
If Washington did sign him, it would give middle infielders Trea Turner and Wilmer Difo more time to develop in the minor leagues. MLB.com ranked Turner as the franchise’s No. 2 prospect and Difo as its No. 4 prospect before the 2015 season.
Even if Murphy isn’t the future of the position for the Nationals, he would give the team some offensive pop until the youngsters are ready.
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