FILE - Seattle Mariners catcher Tom Murphy stands on the field during a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Sept. 15, 2021, in Seattle. Murphy and the San Francisco Giants have agreed on an $8 million, two-year contract, according to a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
The San Francisco Giants have made another significant move this offseason, signing free-agent catcher Tom Murphy to a two-year contract worth $8 million. The deal, which also includes a third-year club option, was confirmed by sources, according to ESPN and The Associated Press.
Adding Depth to the Roster
After recently acquiring South Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee on a lucrative six-year contract, Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi continues to strengthen the team’s lineup. The addition of Murphy provides a veteran presence behind the plate and gives the Giants more options at the catching position.
Murphy, a 32-year-old catcher, spent the past four seasons with the Seattle Mariners after starting his career with the Colorado Rockies. Known for his solid defensive skills and ability to handle a pitching staff, Murphy had an impressive season with the Mariners, batting .290 with eight home runs and 17 RBIs in 47 games.
Sharing Time with Patrick Bailey
With the signing of Murphy, the Giants now have the flexibility to share playing time at catcher with Patrick Bailey. Bailey had a standout rookie season on defense and showed promise for the future. Having Murphy as a mentor and a player who can share the workload will be valuable for Bailey’s development.
Versatility in the Lineup
In addition to his catching abilities, Murphy’s versatility adds depth to the Giants’ roster. While primarily a catcher, Murphy has the ability to play other positions, including the outfield. This versatility will provide the Giants with more lineup options and flexibility during games.
Triple-A Sacramento’s Potential
The addition of Murphy also impacts the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats. Blake Sabol, who served as a backup catcher in 2023, is also capable of playing in the outfield. With Murphy joining the Giants, Sabol could see more playing time in Sacramento, further strengthening the team’s depth in both positions.
Aiming for Playoff Success
The San Francisco Giants have high expectations after missing the playoffs in the past two seasons. In 2021, they recorded a franchise-record 107 wins and clinched the National League West division. However, their postseason hopes were dashed, and they are determined to return to the playoffs and make a deep run.
Pursuit of Shohei Ohtani
While Murphy’s signing is a significant move for the Giants, they also made headlines with their pursuit of Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. The Giants made a final offer to acquire Ohtani, which was reportedly “very comparable if not identical” to the record-breaking $700 million, 10-year contract he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite their efforts, the Giants were unable to secure Ohtani’s services.
Claiming Devin Sweet Off Waivers
In addition to the Murphy signing, the Giants claimed right-hander Devin Sweet off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. Sweet adds another arm to the Giants’ pitching staff and provides further depth and competition during spring training.
Conclusion
The San Francisco Giants have made a significant move by signing catcher Tom Murphy to a two-year, $8 million contract. This signing adds depth to the roster, provides options behind the plate, and enhances the team’s versatility. With high expectations for the upcoming season, the Giants are determined to return to the playoffs and compete for a championship.
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