For teams in need of a catcher, the Oakland Athletics’ Sean Murphy represents a prime target.
Free agency is usually not filled with catching talent, and the trade market is a great opportunity.
The A’s are always open for business, so Murphy is almost certainly going to be traded.
In fact, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported this week that the Cleveland Guardians are among the most active suitors in talks for Murphy.
The insider even said that a deal could be materialized by the end of next week’s Winter Meetings.
Murphy is 28 and is widely regarded as a good defensive catcher and a solid offensive player, too.
That’s rare for a catcher, and naturally drives up his price.
The Guardians have lots of quality prospects to trade to the A’s in case they make a deal.
Are The A’s Leaking Information To The Press?
@JeffMLBDraft, the host of the Locked On Guardians podcast, didn’t like the fact the rumor of the Guardians and A’s talking about Murphy was leaked, and has a theory about who made it public.
“I can tell you who Jon Morosi’s source is on the Sean Murphy/Guardians chatter. its the Oakland Athletics. Always look at who stands to benefits from such a rumor coming out while also know nothing ever leaks from Cleveland,” he tweeted.
I can tell you who Jon Morosi's source is on the Sean Murphy/Guardians chatter. its the Oakland Athletics. Always look at who stands to benefits from such a rumor coming out while also know nothing ever leaks from Cleveland.
— Jeffmlbdraft (@jeffMLBdraft) December 1, 2022
It actually makes sense: the Guardians would love to give away the fewest possible impact prospects to the A’s in a trade, while Oakland would love to receive as much talent as possible.
Getting more teams involved would drive up Murphy’s price.
In the end, it’s easy to see Murphy getting dealt soon.
It’s a matter of when, not if.
