Former Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies Backstop Signs with NL Contender
The San Francisco Giants, fresh off signing coveted Korean outfielder Jung-Hoo Lee, have, added to their roster once again by signing veteran catcher Tom Murphy to a two-year deal.
Per Jeff Passan of ESPN:
Catcher Tom Murphy’s deal with the San Francisco Giants is for two years and $8 million, with a club option for the third year that has a $250,000 buyout, a source tells ESPN. The 32-year-old vet will serve as Patrick Bailey’s backup. First with the agreement was @Ken_Rosenthal.
The veteran is coming off an injury-plagued year that saw him only play 47 games for the Seattle Mariners, but when he did play, he was highly productive. Long known as a guy who could hit left-handed pitching, Murphy hit .290 in his limited action with eight home runs and 17 RBI. He appeared in games during the 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 season for the Mariners.
Unfortunately, injuries have been part of Murphy's career arc. In addition to his troubles in 2023, he played only 14 games in 2022 and missed the COVID 2020 season entirely.
Prior to getting to Seattle, he spent four years with the Colorado Rockies, appearing in games with them from 2015-2018.
Lifetime, Murphy is a .244 hitter with a .313 on-base percentage. He's known as a good clubhouse guy and should be a positive influence on the Giants pitching staff under new manager Bob Melvin.
San Francisco finished fourth in the National League West a season ago is looking to contend again in one of the best divisions in baseball.
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