A’s catcher Sean Murphy stands as one of the likeliest trade candidates of the offseason, and Oakland is unsurprisingly receiving a fairly wide array of interest in the former Gold Glover. The Cardinals have spoken to the A’s about Murphy, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes. They’ve also spoken to the Blue Jays about their catching surplus (Danny Jansen, Alejandro Kirk, Gabriel Moreno), per the report.
Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that even the Braves — a team ostensibly set behind the plate — have checked in with the A’s about the potential asking price. Murphy has also been linked to the Guardians, White Sox, Rays and Red Sox since the offseason began, and there are assuredly others reaching out to the A’s to throw their hat into the mix.
The Cardinals stand as arguably the most obvious on-paper suitor for Murphy. Franchise icon Yadier Molina has formally retired after a 19-year career, and president of baseball operations John Mozeliak has been candid about his team’s interest in acquiring a new starting catcher. Backup Andrew Knizner is a .204/.292/.288 hitter in parts of four seasons and thus not likely to step into the starter’s role, and while the Cardinals have a promising young prospect in Ivan Herrera, they’re also a win-now club looking to make the most of the remaining prime years of MVP Paul Goldschmidt and third-place finisher Nolan Arenado.
Much of the same logic would apply to a Cardinals pursuit of a Toronto backstop. Jansen is the most heavily speculated target of the bunch, given that he’s “only” controllable for another two seasons, compared to four for Kirk and six for Moreno, but any catching-hungry team would have varying levels of interest in the whole trio. Goold notes that the Jays have been looking for a young, left-handed-hitting outfielder, which the Cards do possess in Lars Nootbaar and Alec Burleson. To this point, there’s no indication that talks with either Oakland or Toronto have meaningfully advanced.
Turning to the Braves and Murphy, it’s not as clean a fit, nor is it a surprise to see Rosenthal characterize the chances of an actual deal manifesting as “slim.” That said, it’s easy enough to see how Murphy, who’s projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz to earn $3.5MM in his first arbitration season and is controlled through 2025, would still appeal to Atlanta.
William Contreras’ breakout season at the plate (.278/.354/.506, 20 homers in 376 plate appearances) clearly put him on the map as a potential long-term option, but Contreras’ defensive contributions were far more suspect. He posted negative framing marks according to each of Statcast, FanGraphs and Baseball Prospectus, and his 14% caught-stealing rate was among the worst in the league. In 955 big league innings behind the plate, Contreras has posted a rather unsightly -11 Defensive Runs Saved.
That’s not to say Atlanta should or would (in the event of a long-shot Murphy acquisition) move on from Contreras, of course. He has more than enough bat to spend considerable time at designated hitter, and the Braves have experimented with getting him some work in the outfield corners. Speculatively speaking, there’d be room to carry Contreras, Murphy and a third catcher, allowing Murphy to take the bulk of the work and Contreras to rotate between DH, catcher and perhaps some corner outfield work.
The Braves have both Travis d’Arnaud and Manny Pina signed through the 2023 season, and they hold a 2024 option on d’Arnaud. Pina played in just five games after signing a two-year, $8MM contract, however, as a wrist injury required season-ending surgery early in the year. Rosenthal suggests that the Braves have gotten some trade interest in Pina this offseason, despite that injury. The 35-year-old has long been a light hitter, but his glovework is well regarded. A team looking for a glove-first backup could certainly consider Pina an intriguing option.
A trade of Murphy to Atlanta feels like far more of a long shot than a conventional fit like the ones in St. Louis, Cleveland, Tampa Bay or Boston, but the mere fact that the Braves are even pondering the possibility underscores the manner in which Murphy is regarded throughout the league. The 28-year-old hit .250/.332/.426 with 18 home runs last season despite playing his home games at the Athletics’ cavernous home park. He slashed .271/.343/.465 on the road. After a so-so start to his 2022 season, Murphy mashed at a .278/.363/.458 slash in his final 409 plate appearances.
By measure of wRC+, Murphy was 22% better than a league-average hitter. Catchers, however, are notoriously below-average hitters on the whole, making Murphy’s contributions all the more impressive. In 2022, the average catcher was 12% worse than the league-average hitter; the gap between Murphy’s bat and that of a garden-variety catcher is enormous.
Adding to the offensive side of his game, Murphy is regarded as a strong defensive backstop. He won a Gold Glove in 2021, has been a plus framer by any publicly available metric, and has nabbed 28% of potential base thieves in his career (including 31% in 2022). That skill set, combined with an affordable 2023 salary and three more seasons of club control, should make him appealing to all but a select few teams with stars entrenched behind the plate. The A’s, squarely in the midst of a rebuild and with prospect Shea Langeliers perhaps ready for a full audition in the Majors, will likely be able command a sizable return for Murphy in the coming weeks or months.
I definitely think the Yankees have some interest in Murphy also. Contreras is the way to go though, as far as catchers, and he just cost $ and no prospects.
An aging catcher over a younger one? Yankees will stay ringless since 2010 then.
@A’sfaninUK- So are the A’s moving to Las Vegas soon? Have you been doing all you’re homework in the UK? Lmk
I’m no Yankees fan for sure, as a matter of fact, I root for EVERYONE over them. But when was the last Oakland ring?
1989 last World Series win; the bay bridge series with the big earthquake.
1988 the dodgers beat the athletics
1990 the reds beat the athletics
Those years were when the athletics had major super stars and a elite offense
Murphy is an elite catcher. Contreras is not. Contreras needs to be a dh and backup catcher
What tells you this?
>he just cost $ and no prospects.
Not exactly. Contreras received a qualifying offer.
Costs you a draft pick as he got the QO so in a sense you do lose a prospect for him
Wonder how many people are confusing Willson and William
A lot, they’re clueless
I don’t know, would be nice to have a young cornerstone-type catcher.
I keep saying it but no ones listening: Sean Murphy is, in the eyes of all MLB front offices, only cleared by Realmuto and Rutschman. Every team wants a top 3 player at their position, no matter how “weak” the overall group is perceived as.
Cal Raleigh says “Hi.”
No lmao
It’s not that nobody’s listening, it’s just that you muted everyone so you can talk to yourself…
Cal Raleigh says hi to a lot of better catchers.
Considering that Cal Raleigh produced only 0.9 less WAR than Murphy, while doing so in 197 less plate appearances, I find that to be untrue.
First off , 1 war is pretty significant and catchers can wear down. What makes you think it would be much better?
First off that’s 0.9 WAR, not 1,, and at the rate he was amassing WAR, he would have had about 6.2 WAR given Murphy’s 612 plate appearance. Even if he were to drop off some, his projected 6.2 WAR is still 1.1 WAR higher, thus with some drop-off, he still would have likely been better than Murphy with that margin of gap, as he would have had to completely fallen off a cliff to not produce more WAR>
It’s called rounding up… geez lol
And my whole point is , in my opinion, he wouldn’t have accumulated WAR at that rate. So like me, your assessment is just a guess.
But yeah , you’re totally right. I see all these teams coming after Raleigh! Oh wait, that’s Murphy.
Speaking of math:
So Raleigh WAR 3.8 in 370 AB’s
How would he accumulate a 6.2 in 160 additional at-bats while wearing down? You must think he’s Mike Piazza! Lol
No guarantee he doesn’t fall off a cliff given the same PA’s Murphy had.
The only way that I’d see the Braves trade for Murphy is if:
1. They felt they could easily trade Pina
2. If they were planning on playing Contreras fairly regularly at DH and/or left field.
3. OR if Atlanta was gauging Murphy’s value as a part of a 3 team trade.
Good take. I’d imagine they see Contreras as a DH first, then 2nd catcher. Though I’d envision them going forward with a closer split in time behind the plate between their 2 catchers, rotating the other to DH duty (leaving question marks for Ozuna/Rosario).
Doubt it’s any of those honestly.. I’d guess they have a trade for Contreras in their back pocket if they wanted to pull the trigger. If they don’t view him as a primary catcher then it’s better to deal him then play him as a DH. A lot of his value comes from the potion he plays. He’d go a long way towards acquiring someone like Bryan Reynolds from Pitt.
That’s exactly my thought. He’s three years younger than Murphy, which is valuable given his performance (97 games in ’22). If the Cubs don’t resign Willson, could younger brother William be a trade candidate to fill the void behind the dish? I’m not knowledgeable about the Cubs roster, but is there any reality for swapping William for Ian Happ? Still have to figure out how to remove one of the log jams of mediocrity in LF with Rosario and Ozuna. Assuming we trade for Murphy, that is.
@cash3w: Only 1 year of control left on Happ (FA 2024) vs 5 more for William Contreras (FA 2028.) Imo, they don’t really match up in a deal.
Ian Happ? Contreras is more valuable than a guy who only has a year of control left.
True, but who knows what other trades are on the horizon. If Murphy is signed and locked up multiyear, it’s trading from a position of depth. I’m a diehard Braves fan with limited knowledge, so I could be way off. 🙂
@cash3w: Diehard Braves fan myself—-and probably don’t any more than you do, lol. Nice to discuss opinions w/you. Have a good one.
What’s this talk about Contreras in the outfield? Why pay a guy millions to play a position he’s not suited for? He’s got some pop, sure, but overall he’s not a good hitter—unless you compare only to other catchers. Why pay a guy millions to be a mediocre DH? No, if you sign Contreras, it should because you want him to be your primary catcher.
You do know Contreras has a career slash line of .278/.338/.506 right? LOL. I think they’d trade him before moving his position but get real.. The kid can hit.
But his numbers last year were solid, regardless of position. Not only did he display power but he hit for average and got on base at a good clip. So while I don’t necessarily endorse the idea of moving him off the plate – he’s young and like his brother, can improve – I do not agree that “overall he’s not a good hitter” …
That’s not his career slash line, lol. You might want to research that.
Yeah, right? I mean if the Braves moved a guy like Dale Murphy of off the catching position, he’d be worthless….. Oh wait, they did? And he won 5 gold gloves in the outfield, and 2 MVP’s? Scratch that.
I agree with a three team the most likely scenario where Atlanta could get Murphy. Most likely moving D’nard to a third team getting prospects for Oakland and Murphy going to Atlanta. I always thought that Oakland was the most likely fit for the Braves to salary dump Marcel Ozuna
Benjamin, will you provide some clarification on your 3 team trade scenario? My initial thoughts are: Why would a 3rd team take d’Arnaud and send prospects to the A’s instead of just trading those prospects for Murphy? I get that you’re moving little d to make room for Murphy, but I don’t see the 3rd team’s desire for d”Arnaud instead of Murphy. Also, not sure that the A’s are the “most likely fit for the Braves to salary dump Marcel Ozuna.” The A’s are notorious for dumping even relatively small salaries to minimize payroll. Imo, including Ozuna in a Murphy to the Braves deal would cost the team even more prospects than a simple Murphy for prospects deal.
D’nard won the silver slugger award so if Atlanta was looking to move him alot of teams could be involved. Atlanta has major league ready pitching that not every team has. Atlanta would probably have to send someone like Ian Anderson to Oakland and the third team involved would send prospects to Oakland. It would be a nice haul that not every team can do.
Ozuna deal— Oakland needs offensive and like him or it Ozuna will hit 30’home runs by far be the best offense player the athletics had. If Atlanta would pay 1/2 his salary and send a prospect or two with him. Oakland would have a middle of the order bar for $8 million a season. Oakland has the payroll space.
Atlanta and Oakland have done a lot of trades together over the years. Oakland going get hit with things from the union about paying and having decent players.
Oakland has made a living on getting under valued players. Ozuna was a much better player after his dui.
This scenario makes zero sense for the Athletics… And NO ONE wants Ozuna. Atlanta is stuck with that steaming pile, unless you want to attach Strider to him to move him. And thats not happening. So lets get realistic.
Ozuna would be the best offensive player Oakland would have in theory. He would easily hit 30 home runs. That talent not there from a lot of people.
Oakland has no money on the books for 2023 if Atlanta would package a prospect with him and eat 1/2 the salary of Ozuna it would be interesting. Ozuna missed most of 2021 then a shorten spring training 2022. After his DUI his production went way up.
Alot of the issues with Ozuna is what Atlanta has him signed for. At $8 million he is a decent DH
Oakland wouldn’t accept that. The Braves would need to pay at least $12M per year, maybe more. And they wouldn’t get anyone worthwhile back.
He’s signed through 24 at 32 million. With a club option. Had an OPS plus of 89 last year. He’s not even a good DH. I’m not trying to pick a fight with you. Just stating facts. Atlanta is stuck with that. Short of eating all the money, or including a really really good prospect. And if they do that, it’d make more sense to just DFA him.
@Benjamin: Sorry, but not convinced Oakland would have any interest in Ozuna. Reports that the Braves couldn’t even get Washington to take him in a bad contract swap for Patrick Corbin indicate the league’s perception of Ozuna’s value…….none. He’s a PR nightmare that teams are unwilling to accept. Don’t believe the Braves are willing to give up the prospects needed to entice anyone to take him off their hands. The domestic violence and drunk driving episodes have probably ruined his career. Another player recently convicted of DV, Robert Osuna, just signed for a million in the KBO. Addison Russell did the same thing in 2020 after his suspension for DV. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the Braves release Ozuna in 23. Puzzled that they haven’t already done so despite the sunk cost. Next stop for Marcel…..overseas if he’s lucky. Feel free to excoriate me if I prove to be wrong about this.
Not with it, Atlanta would never pay that much considering he has still produced a .340 xwOBA over the last 2 years 700ish plate appearances. That puts him well above league average in that regard, thus the quality of contact is still there. Considering that the Braves worked with his swing towards the end of the year, and he produced a 164 wRC+ the last 5 weeks of the season, there’s no chance they’re giving him away for $4mil a year to some other team.
you want facts? The last 2 years/700ish plate appearances Ozuna’s produced a .340 xwOBA, while league average stood at .a .312 wOBA. His .340 xwOBA is only 3 under his .343 wOBA from his pervious 7 years in the league. That means the quality of contact is still there. Also while working with the Braves on his swing toward the end of the year, he came back and produced a 164 wRC+ the last 5 weeks of the year, which isn’t that far off of what he did in 2020. The hitting ability is still there.
I doubt that Corbin/Ozuna report to be true. Why would the Braves want Corbin who”s been a 138 ERA-, 117 FIP-, 101 xFIP- pitcher the last 3 years? It makes zero sense. Nothing shows Cobin to be even league average in any sense, unlike Ozuna who’s been a .340 xwOBA hitter over the last 2 seasons, while the league average stands at .a .312 wOBA., so Ozuna’s well above average in that aspect as the quality of contact is still there. Even in his last 5 weeks of the season, after the Braves worked with his swing, Ozuna produced a 164 wRC+, which still shows his ability to produced as well.
Ozuna is a PR pariah. You have to look past the uncertain and questionable offensive contributions and see it from a business perspective.
As for Corbin, it’s always easier to release someone else’s mistake than it is yours, so even if Corbin couldn’t produce a dead cat bounce or show some value in the pen, the Braves could have dumped him and not taken as big a hit.
You do realize that Corbin is owed $24mil next year, and $35mil in 2024 right? That’s a big hit.
Murphy for Jarod Shuster, JR Ritchie, and Justin-Henry Malloy.
Henry Malloy opening some eyes!
Why settle for 50-grade prospects when other teams are offering 55 grade prospects???
If they are trading Murphy, then A’s need Nolan Gorman more than prospects to replace Murphy’s bat, tbh
Like you said below, maybe the A’s can actually get Acuña. His contract is not outrageous. Maybe Murphy for Acuña, Shuster, and Malloy.
That’s not happening, the Braves just arent getting Murphy, the Cardinals probably are though.
You’re probably right. If it’s the cardinals, I’d hope for Gorman, Burleson, and Liberatore.
What about the Rays? They would seem to have the prospects to make a deal.
@Ruff: That’s ridiculous. Murphy’s a nice player, but he wouldn’t get Acuna, let alone all three.
Are you all really thinking you’d get Acuna for Murphy?!?
A nice player? He’s a top 3 catcher in all of baseball, and catcher is arguably the most important position. Murphy and Puk for Acuña and a solid prospect is not an outrageous trade.
It really is outrageous.. I’m not even trying to be a jerk but it would take some serious A’s colored glasses to think that’s going to work. Oakland wouldn’t even ask it’s so outlandish. Acuna’s one of the 5 most valuable contracts in baseball.
After going to look it up.. Just for perspective accord to the trade simulator site Murphy isn’t even equal to half of Acuna’s trade value. Not at all to say they are gospel to go by but again for perspective they say for Oakland to equal Acuna’s trade value it would take Murphy, Soderstorm, Gelof and Susac just to equal Acuna. So Murphy plus 3 of Oaklands Top 5 prospects including their number 1.
No, but it’s funny because if Acuna was actually underperforming then maybe the deal might be feasible because while the A’s are cheap, Acuna’s money is SO pathetic that the cheapo A’s would actually take it on – he+Albies are like the ONLY superstars like this, which is funny.
But he’s still a top 20 player in the league, so nah.
“Maybe Murphy for Acuña, Shuster, and Malloy.” ia a long way from “Murphy and Puk for Acuña and a solid prospect”. You’re all over the map.
@YaySports yes, but outside of adding Acuna into the deal for Murphy and basically any other 3 players off the Oakland franchise, Atlanta has no one interesting enough for the A’s to bite, they already raided their cupboard with the Olson deal, and Murphy has similar value as a top 3-5 player at his position, just as Olson was.
Cleveland, Tampa Bay and St Louis all are going to blow any Braves offer out of the water.
I think you people grossly undervalue Murphy and the importance of the catcher position. Not only is he one of the better offensive catchers, he also is one of the best defensive catchers. Atlanta is hovering near the luxury tax and trading Acuña’s contract could help keep them below that. With the emergence of Michael Harris, they could trade Acuña and target another position in need like resigning Swansby at SS or some other SS. Isn’t Acuña a toxic player anyways? It’s really not that outrageous from my perspective.
Same simulator says Grissom, Elder and Malloy get it done. If Atlanta is willing to trade Grissom they can get in on any player.
There is no universe where the A’s get Gorman, Burleson, and Liberatore for Murphy. That is an absolutely insane ask lol
Is it fair you might be grossly overvaluing? This Atlanta trading Acuna line all the way around is pretty much nonsense and would never happen.
The Braves don’t need Murphy. He’d be a luxury. They’ve already got a good catcher/leader in d’Arnaud, a great defensive backup in Pina, and a slugging young guy with upside in Contreras. If the Braves did trade for Murphy, it would have to be either as a precursor to another trade or it would include Contreras. Maybe both.
@stan This trade is not insane at all and it’s actually close. It would be a small overpay for the Cardinals, which is possible if so many teams are trying to land him.
@ruff I’m an A’s fan. It would take three Murphy’s to land Acuna. That’s with Murphy being a top three catcher in baseball. In fact, it’s one of the worst trades I’ve seen proposed by a non-Yankees fan.
Exactly. 3 Murphy’s wouldn’t fetch Acuna and his contract.
Gorman and Burleson, maybe, but they aren’t getting the Cardinals’ top pitching prospect in addition to those two. It would be a low tier pitching prospect at best.
@Lanidrac That sounds much more likely.
The Cardinals aren’t going to trade Gorman though, his impact to the team is just as necessary as Murphy’s would be. Nootbaar is way more likely to be the guy to go, they will just pivot to the Jays if that’s not who Oakland wants
Cards are not trading Noot, he is a lefty power bat with speed which is hard to come by, He has nothing but upside and plays anywhere in the outfield. Gorman while a lefty power bat is not great at 2B and Arenado owns 3B making Gorman expendable. Gorman would be the headliner and can play 3B for the A’s
Exactly my hope. I’d love Murphy, but not at bidding-war prices.
On top of that, Nootbaar also plays really good defense.
No, Gorman is much more expendable than Nootbaar. Nootbaar plays a good right field, where the Cardinals would otherwise have a big hole, while Gorman is behind Edman and Donovan on the MI depth chart and otherwise would only be the primary DH at best in St. Louis.
And if either Oakland or Toronto would prefer an outfielder, it would be Burleson rather than Nootbaar that they would give up.
Who are these teams offering “55” grade prospects?
I bet A’s fans would love that. Dream big. Xmas is right around the corner.
Braves dont have a good farm anymore, sit down
Lmao.. The Braves can still pull off just about any trade they want so go have have a seat with him
Just because you wish something, doesnt mean its true. We already have all your good prospects, the Braves arent trading for anyone major this offseason, they dont have the prospect chips.
The same could be said to you who gone up and down this entire post explaining to everyone that only you have the correct answer hahaha. I recall you all saying the Braves didn’t have prospects after last years trade either and just watched them finish 1 and 2 in the ROY. Fact is if you’re basing anything on MLB prospect ranking it’s you that really has no idea. Vaughn Grissom’s name alone would have Oakland on the phone talking.
Top 100 lists are for fans and sportswriters. Baseball teams look beyond and beneath.
Yay, you know you’re wasting your time trying to have an intelligent conversation w/A’sfaninUK. He’s not capable of understanding the points you’ve scored on him.
As a braves fan, As fan is right. We don’t have the prospects to make a huge trade! Nor should they trade what they do have. Acuna isn’t going anywhere first of of all, secondly, trading Malloy would be a HUGE mistake. He is looking like an on base king. A package involving Gorman and the Cardinals makes so much more sense for both sides. It would be foolish to trade for Murphy, even though he’s a fantastic catcher, that is not the priority. The braves have plenty of catchers.
The A’s asked for Harris II and was told he was the only guy off the table.
“I recall you all saying the Braves didn’t have prospects after last years trade either and just watched them finish 1 and 2 in the ROY. ”
Please provide the link, or else youre getting muted forever for straight up lying to enhance your point. Regardless, those are no longer prospects now, and are off the table. All the Braves have left are 50 grade prospects, Cleveland and the Tampa have 55 grade prospects to offer.
Braves just upping the price for the Cardinals to include Walker or Winn? Love to see it.
@Jeff Of course, you don’t have to tell me twice. I used to have him muted. But like metsfan22 he’s too entertaining with his stupidity.
Fw: Lol, yes on both of them and a multitude of others. Better to laugh at or ignore them than ruining entire conversation threads.
@Mo I personally wouldn’t trade Malloy straight up for Murphy because 1) That’s how much I value him and 2) Like you stated the Braves have a surplus of catchers and trading a package like that would be given to get a player at a different position.
Yeah I’m getting that but dang it’s hilarious that he just threatened to block me for inconvenient facts lol
My bet is if they actually did trade for Murphy it’s because Contreras is going somewhere in another big trade for a bat.
Might be in a deal for a SS Yay. Be nice if the SS was a big bat too, lol.
It’s possible but I’m not really seeing a great match outside of Adames which doesn’t seem like an ideal return for him having half the team control.
Yeah, don’t see another available SS that fits the “big bat” criteria either. I’ve seen some Jays fans proposing those (lol) Bichette for Acuna deals, but I can’t take something that funny seriously.
It won’t excite anybody but I’m pretty resigned to the idea we’re going to have a cheap option at SS this season. Either Vaughn in house or one of the lower tier vets. AA’s a value guy and the SS market is too over inflated. It looks to me like you can build a better team spending elsewhere this Winter.
I’ve been an advocate for trading for Urias but I think I’m the only one that likes him. It wouldn’t cost near as much as Adames.
Man, for the 5,000,000,000,000 time, you’re NOT GETTING WALKER FOR ANYONE IN OAKLAND. Did you hear that that time?
@A’sfaninUK — Don’t have a good farm that just produced 1-2 in 2022 Rookie of the Year Awards, not to mention 2B/SS Vaughn Grissom, but sure, I understand why an A’s fan lives and breathes farm rankings. A lot less bleak seeing those rankings than the regular season, right?
Nevermind context that one of the big reasons ATL’s farm is less deep is the Olson trade that your OAK squad received the top prospect (Langeliers) that IS MAKING SEAN MURPHY AVAILABLE!
Lol what a tool. As if someone is missing out on some serious insight if he blocks you. His opinions are only based on what others say.
He’s basically muted the whole site.
And somehow they had the top 2 rookies in the NL this year, after their team ranking was clear down. Odd how that happens, huh?
Acuna for Murphy? Sure!
lmao the A’s actually CAN afford Acuna at that money!!
Oakland would love that deal
Your hate for Acuna is ridiculous. Yeah I’ll give you he doesn’t hustle enough, but he still brings tremendous value even if he plays like last year.
Yeah, the value he brought in the DS was astronomical. His presence alone is worth 1 win per playoff series.
Why judge the guy based on one playoff series? Aaron freaking judge struggled in the playoffs too and he is one of top players in the game.
Except Judge carried the Yanks, whereas Acuna was useless this entire season and last years run.
Gotta love the folks that think being on pace for a 3 WAR season is useless…
That’s where watching games rather than looking at arbitrary numbers come in. If you actually think Acuna was in anyway useful in this years 100+ win season, then clearly you didn’t watch the games and just listening to the media salivating over these hip young guys changing the game. Tatis and Acuna are sure changing the game for the better with their lies, lack of hustle, ego, and ringworms.
He certainly was useful. I watch every game and he has been helpful in some wins. He wasn’t a top a player in the league but he certainly helped the braves win games last year. It sounds like the only reason you don’t like him is because he’s a show off. Anybody will tell you added some value to the team. From the everyday people like you and I to the “experts”. He was statically above average hitter in 22. You just let your dislike of the player get in the way of seeing that.
If you want to cherry pick games in which Acuna helped the Braves, then sure. The worst players on your roster statistically will have games in which they played a solid role in X amount of wins. It’s a 162 game season after all.
The Braves took off once Harris and Strider took the reigns. It wasn’t Riley, Acuna, nor even Swanson. It was the rookies that took the team to another level and eventually helped them win the division. Acuna has value and he certainly brings a lot to the table; however, I don’t think the value is as significant as people think. I don’t care what he did in the past, because my argument has always been that pitchers will learn to pitch to him because Acuna has poor discipline and a mindset of hitting home runs every at bat. I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt (albeit reluctantly) with his knee excuse, but 2023 will be the season to watch with him.
That’s a sensible response. I can respect that.
knizner has a few years of control. he deserves a chance to prove himself.
Not on a contender.
As it sits right now with no rotation and an average offensec he’s not on a contender. Even if they win the division, would still get bounced in the WC round the way the team is right now an Murphy doesn’t really change that.
lmao ok buddy heres a mute “guest” poster
The truth isn’t always pleasant bro. But it makes us strong when we acknowledge it and stress leaves the body when we stop lying to ourselves. Your welcome for your increased health now.
The Cardinals have a very good rotation, and they’re looking to improve the offense at catcher and one other position this offseason.
Meanwhile, whether or not a team gets bounced in the first round is largely a c***shoot. They had a better team than the Phillies but just happened to lose to them, just as two other favored teams did to them in the next two rounds.
The went to the World Series, so they clearly didn’t have a better team then them. They split with them in the regular series and lost to them in the playoffs. As far as a very good rotation who is you 1-3 that can compete with others good teams 1-3? A 42 year old Waino that got dead arm at the end of the season? Steven Matz from the IL? Flaherty from the IL? Mikolis who has had two good seasons and two bad seasons? Jordan Montgomery is the best they have that is somewhat reliable.
Like I said, whoever actually wins does *not* determine who had the better team. The Cardinals were clearly the favorites in that series. Do you actually think the Phillies were better than the Padres and Braves, as well?!
As for the rotation, yes, Mikolas, Flaherty, and Montgomery can easily match up with the #1-3 starters of most teams.
Mikolas is a legitimate #1 starter. He’s had 2 excellent All-Star seasons, 1 very good season, and the other 2 seasons weren’t bad but merely ruined by injury.
Flaherty would be an even better #1 if he regains his old form and anywhere from a #2-4 if he doesn’t. Yes, injuries are a concern for him, but he’s healthy now, and the Cardinals have excellent depth if he does get hurt again.
Montgomery is a very good #2-3 starter, no questions there. He may actually only be their 4th best starter depending on how things go with Flaherty and Wainwright.
Wainwright actually *didn’t* have a dead arm but a mechanics issue that he’s since fixed. He’s still a decent starter who could be anywhere from a #2 to a #4.
Matz finally figured things out right before he got hurt and did nicely in the bullpen once he returned from the IL. He’s one of the best #5 starters in MLB right now.
Hudson is then one of the best #6 starters in MLB. He did get demoted last year, which is why he’s the odd man out right now, but he has a decent track record and will be the first one up if/when an injury or demotion occurs. Then there’s the very good swingman Woodford, top prospects Liberatore and Thompson, and Pallante if absolutely necessary.
Besides, Knizner was the starting catcher for half the season last year while Yadi was on the IL, and he still sucked.
The A’s might be better off waiting until the deadline to deal Murphy. Right now, clubs have options should Beane (c’mon, we all know he still calls the shots) set too a high a price. Contreras, Vasquez, among others are available FA’s. As mentioned, Toronto has a surplus.
Given Gorman’s poor BB/K ratio, I doubt the A’s would be interested. Brendan Donovan and Burleson would be of more interest to the OBP-driven A’s.
“The OBP-driven A’s”
Oh really? Take a look at the OBPs over the last few years and update your memory, its not 2001 anymore!
“the OBP-driven A’s.”
They were dead last in OBP last year. League average the previous two seasons.
When you look at Gorman do so as a 3b/DH because without the shift that’s how he projects. He’s only a 2b in STL.
A’s need a 3B and a 1B, he fits the bill.
That’s the biggest leverage the A’s have; time. They don’t have to trade him ASAP because he is still cheap. If competitive teams want to waste some of the coming season with their current catcher, go for it. Murphy has so much control left it’s stupid to not squeeze every ounce of that value as soon as you possibly can.
Except that Contreras, Vasquez, and maybe Narvaez are the *only* decent starting catching options in free agency, and at least 7 teams need a starting catcher.
Yankees should offer Devi Garcia and florial for Murphy and Puk
Yankees should offer Jasson Dominguez, Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe for Murphy and Puk.
Your offer is so dumb I had to counter the other way.
I was surprised Florial was not included in the Montas trade.
The A’s already have one CF prospect that can’t hit, guess they didn’t want two
The Cardinals match up best for Murphy. Even better than Cleveland. But if they want too much or take too long; it’s not going to happen. Nolan Gorman is the centerpiece the A’s should should shoot for. So should Toronto one of their catchers. in a deal.
Burleson is intriguing from the Cardinals.
Gavin Williams and Chase DeLauter from the Guardians also intriguing.
I agree. Six years of Burleson might be worth more than four years of Nootbaar.
If STL starts the package with Gorman and Liberatore and then puts Walker or Winn on the trade table, its a wrap.
LOL Your delusional!!
Murphy is worth a lot more than you might at first believe. When you consider the years of control, low salary, and his offensive and defensive abilities, he’s just about the perfect catcher. It’s gonna take at least one top 100 overall prospect and a couple other prospects from a teams’ top 3-8 to get him. They won’t offer that, in all likelihood, but the proposal is not as outrageous as it might appear.
I love when guys critique spelling on sports chat and then use (+ and) next to each other like a redundant idiot.
Everyone over values their own players but Murphy isn’t worth number or quality of prospects you have listed.
Murphy is a top 3 all-star gold glove catcher in his prime whos bat has improved every year.
You dont understand player value if you dont think he’s bringing home the biggest haul in a long time.
No chance the A’s get Walker. It would be amazing if they did, but that’s not happening.
If they do, every single homer Cardinals fan who reply guy’d me on here has to quit posting.
LOL! Now your clueless….low IQ……and still delusional. Its past your bed time sparky.
Lol yeah let’s just empty the farm for one guy. Gorman and some other lower level prospect(s). That’s it.
@rocknwell – yeah, that never happens! (Juan Soto trade happened like 3 months ago, which included 2 top 20 MLB 60 grade prospects) smh
Soto>>>>>Murphy though lol
you are out of your mind if you think Walker is included in any deal, whether it be Murphy or whomever. He wasn’t even offered for Soto
The Cardinals themselves match up better with Toronto’s Jansen, though, so that they don’t block Herrera too long, preferably by using Burleson as the centerpiece.
And … 25 or 26 other teams are among teams that have spoken to A’s about Murphy.
All of the free agent catchers view Cleveland as the most desirable landing spot because there will be no competition on the team as well as Cleveland winning their division running away in ‘22 and the odds on favorite in ‘23
No they don’t. Guardians can’t afford Contreras, weren’t willing to empty the farm for Murphy last July and probably aren’t now. I could see them getting Christian Vazquez or bringing Hedges back on a one year deal
It’s not like the Cardinals have much competition in the NL Central, either. Yes, the Brewers could bounce back next year, but so too could the White Sox or Twins.
Finally an insightful comment from the leader of the Ignorant-R-Us gang: “I keep saying it but no ones listening.” You’re right about that A’sfaninUK. Why would anyone care what an angry name calling buffoon like you has to say? Btw, thanks for adding me to your mute list. It’s gratifying to be muted by angry little trolls. I won’t mute you because the comedic relief you provide w/your never ending stream of imbecilic rants on how under paid ML baseball players are is too funny to miss out on. Keep up the good work, and I hope they’re paying you lots of Euros in that greasy little fish and chips shop you probably work at. Side note: Please don’t spit in the food you serve. Your customers aren’t the reason your life is so unrewarding.
I really like this move for the Cards and have the Cards as the best & likeliest landing spot for Murphy. I think he would be a great asset to their squad (any squad).
I’m very high on Murphy, as my previous posts point out. Only thing I don’t know is how good of a leader he is, since that can’t be measured by numbers. A catcher does need to be a leader as well as a friend and confidante to the pitching staff and he needs to call a good game. Those are variables that only people in the game would know for sure. Otherwise, he’s only topped by JTR & Adley.
I’d say the Cards are the most likely spot for Murphy. The A’s need some 1b/3b type bats (plus a lot of other things), and the Cards have that to offer in both Gorman and Burleson. Throw in one more lower level pitcher and they will most likely be able to get him.
Facts
Cmon Braves we have the younger Contreras brother for the long term and TDA + Pina signed for 2024. Absolutely no need. Resign Swanson and give make me happy AA!
Agree, there is zero chance in fu*k of Walker being included so I’m good.
A’s get Gorman or Nootbar, NOT both, with Liberatore for Murphy. OR They get Gorman or Nootbar, again NOT both, with Burleson, and LIbertore for Murphy and Puk or Brown, NOT both. but One or the other. I could live with either of these. And I DON’T want to trade Noot or Gorman. But you have to give to get. And while I’d be fine with Jansen, he’s going to cost you one of Noot or Burleson anyway, with others maybe. So just get the better catcher. If I had my way about it, I’d put Gorman at AAA in LF though, and just see what he does to start the year.
Gorman (or Burleson), Liberatore and a lottery ticket type is certainly fair value for Murphy. If a bidding war develops and the A’s insist on more, I’m fine if the Cards pivot and sign Christian Vazquez, and use their prospect capital to strengthen the club elsewhere.
And I add my voice to those saying there’s zero chance whatsoever Jordan Walker gets dealt for Murphy (or anyone else for that matter). You can often tell what players the Cardinals consider franchise core prospects even before they arrive, and that’s how they talk about Walker. It’s also the reason they’re almost a lock not to sign one of the big SS: they’re extremely high on Masyn Winn who is only a year away.
While I’d love to have Murphy, when there are several clubs all vying for the player, it makes no sense to significantly overpay, especially when there are reasonable options on the market and/or available elsewhere. There’s a fit with Toronto, with guys like Gorman or Burleson as the major get for the Blue Jays, though I’m not sure Danny Jansen is worth either (Kirk/Moreno, yes). While I’m strongly opposed to signing Contreras, IF (and it’s not at all clear they do) Stl actually views Herrera as the catcher of the future, then taking a chance on a bounceback year from a guy like Grandel or Stassi in a bad contract trade for DeJong to fill the spot in 2023 is even acceptable to me, again assuming they USE their resources elsewhere to strengthen the club.
The team is in a strong talent and financial position, and their window may very well close quickly (the 2024 rotation is non existent), so I hope they do SOMETHING to significantly augment the team.
I’d rather them trade some capital for a catcher, and use money to sign a pitcher. I’d like to see Rodon in the rotation. Or I guess sign Vasquez, and use prospect capital to get a pitcher like Glasnow.
Spellchecker does not like Grandal for DeJong it likes Grandad for DeLong.