Daniel Murphy has reportedly found a new home within the NL East after signing a three-year deal with the Washington Nationals, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN.com
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports confirmed the deal.
William Ladson of MLB.com reported Dec. 23 that Washington had talked 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.
Murphy hit .281 with 14 home runs, 73 RBI and a .771 OPS during the 2015 regular season, and the 30-year-old drilled seven home runs in nine games during New York’s run to the World Series. 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 defensive runs saved above average at second base over the last five seasons. While Murphy is versatile enough to play first or third, that total is likely worrisome for the Nationals.
Murphy will 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 should give the team some offensive pop until its youngsters are ready.
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