There seems to be a growing buzz to the possibility of the New York Mets trading Daniel Murphy.
The timing is just about right for those rumors to pick up steam. The trade deadline isn’t far away, the Mets still have to upgrade on offense and Murphy remains one of the team’s most consistent offensive bats which ironically also makes him an intriguing trade piece.
Murphy’s been good for the Mets, as good as they’ve been for him. He’s played himself into a serviceable second baseman at the least and his bat isn’t intimidated by the dimensions of Citi Field in Queens. Murphy is also closing in on becoming a free agent, and it’s an experience he could look forward to after the 2015 season.
The Mets could look to extend Murphy’s contract, making a long-term commitment to him as a key member of the team. They could continue adding fuel to the fire that is the trade rumors, which have surrounded Murphy for the last couple of years.
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
I get the argument in support of what Murphy brings to the table for the Mets. He plays the game hard and approaches every aspect with professionalism and a solid work ethic. He’s been arguably the most consistent bat in the starting lineup this season, with a .292 batting average, he’s on pace for 200 hits.
Occasionally, he’ll make a play on the field that’ll make you want to scratch your head; however, he’s improved his all-around game to the point where there is legitimate interest from opposing teams. It also can’t be ignored that the Mets, despite how painfully inconsistent they’ve been this season, are still very much in the NL East division race.
Those are valid points to justify keeping Murphy this year, however there’s enough to support why trading him could be the better play. If the Mets really believed Murphy’s a long-term solution, why dangle him as trade bait last winter?
This team still has holes to address on offense, it’s only right that the Mets explore every possibility here.
Murphy’s up for a new contract after 2015, and he has one more year of arbitration left. The Mets have to decide if it’s worth investing the arbitration price tag he’ll most likely command for one season or extend him with a multi-year deal. T
here appears to be mutual interest in discussing a new deal, however what the Mets won’t do is let Murphy walk as a free agent and get nothing back in return.
There’s clearly interest in him now, so if they don’t pull the trigger on a trade this summer, they should look to address it again at the end of the season.
