The Sean Murphy sweepstakes are heating up.
The Oakland Athletics have been openly shopping their star catcher with top prospect Shea Langeliers waiting in the wings, and a new suitor may have emerged.
In addition to the Cleveland Guardians, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox, the Houston Astros have now entered the sweepstakes, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
The defending World Series champions currently have Martin Maldonado behind the plate, but have been linked to Willson Contreras, the top catcher out on the free agent market.
Murphy, a 2021 Gold Glove Award winner, is under team control through the 2025 season.
The Astros have emerged as a potential suitor for Sean Murphy, per source. Houston currently has Martin Maldonado as its catcher and has been connected to free agent Willson Contreras. Murphy, a former Gold Glove winner, is under club control through 2025.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 6, 2022
Astros Emerge In Murphy Sweepstakes
Trades within divisions are rare, but the Astros could potentially find a way to pull it off.
Houston recently signed Jose Abreu to a three-year contract to replace the departed Yuli Gurriel.
At the very least, the Astros have made clear that they are hungry for more in 2023.
If they do miss out on Contreras, then Murphy would be a perfect fit for the team and would give them the best catcher on the trade market.
The 28-year-old hit for a .250 average and crushed 18 home runs in 2022.
Behind the plate, Murphy posted a .991 fielding percentage and caught 19 runners attempting to steal a base.
He also registered 878 putouts.
The Astros have kept Maldonado around because of his defense, but have been looking for ways to increase production from the catcher spot.
Murphy could be just what the Astros need as they look to repeat as World Series champions in 2023.
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