Veteran outfielder David Murphy has reached an agreement on a minor-league deal with the Red Sox that includes an invitation to Spring Training. Murphy will receive a base salary of $2 million if he makes Boston’s league roster as reported by ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick:
David Murphy is signing a minor league deal with the #redsox, source says. Back where he started.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) February 29, 2016
David Murphy on his way to Ft. Myers for a physical. Deal with #Redsox should be official later today.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) February 29, 2016
Alex Speier of The Boston Globe confirmed that if Murphy makes the big league roster he’ll receive the two million dollar contract.
Murphy would get a $2 million salary if in the big leagues.
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) February 29, 2016
Per Jason Mastrodonato of The Boston Globe Murphy will also have an opt-clause at the end of Spring Training
Red Sox make David Murphy signing official. He can opt out at end of spring training, per source.
— Jason Mastrodonato (@JMastrodonato) March 1, 2016
Murphy was drafted by the Red Sox in ’03, made his MLB debut in ’06 and then sent to the Rangers in ’08. In his 10-year career, Murphy has a slash line of .274/.33/.432/.765 OPS with 104 HRs and 472 RBI in 1,110 games. Murphy has been primarily a left fielder but does have experience in right field. Murphy has posted strong numbers against right-hand pitchers posting a batting average of .278 with a .795 OPS while verse lefties his batting average is only .258 with a .655 OPS.
With the Rangers Murphy was an everyday player from 2009-2013, and was a vital part of the Rangers playoff teams before signing with the Indians before the start of the 2014 season and then was traded to the Angels before the trade deadline last season.
The Red Sox has Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr., Rusney Castillo, and Chris Young already on their roster, giving Murphy the opportunity to provide experience at the Triple-A level.
Last season Murphy posted a line of .283/.318/.421/.739 OPS with 10 HRs, 18 doubles and 50 RBIs in 132 games between Cleveland and Los Angeles. Murphy provides an
David Murphy offers an insurance plan for the Red Sox if Castillo struggles throughout the Spring or if another of the outfielders becomes injured sometime during the Spring. Beyond that, it’s hard to figure out how Murphy fits on the Opening Day roster giving the depth that the Red Sox already have in the outfield.
Main Photo:
