San Francisco Giants ‘are set to sign Tom Murphy on a two-year, $8million deal’ with the veteran catcher expected to serve as backup to starter Patrick Bailey
- Tom Murphy is expected to be the backup to defensive stalwart Patrick Bailey
- Murphy spent eight years in the majors but was hampered by injuries
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The San Francisco Giants are reportedly closing in on a two-year, $8 million deal for veteran catcher Tom Murphy, including a club option for a third year.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Giants have agreed to a deal for Murphy, who will likely serve as a backup catcher and provide mentorship to Giants starting catcher Patrick Bailey. It also includes a $250,000 buyout.
The 32-year-old Murphy played for the Seattle Mariners in recent seasons and spent a total of eight seasons in the Major Leagues.
Last season he hit a .290 batting average, 17 RBIs, eight home runs and earned 10 walks. He also recorded a .538 slugging percentage and a .335 on base percentage while appearing in 47 games.
Throughout his career, he has hit .244, 48 HRs, 126 RBIs, with a .456 slugging percentage and .313 on base percentage.
The San Francisco Giants have agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with catcher Tom Murphy
Murphy is expected to be the backup catcher to defensive stalwart Patrick Bailey (pictured)
The Giants will be the third team Murphy has suited up for during his eight-year career, having previously spent four seasons with the Colorado Rockies.
Murphy also spent five days on the Giants roster in 2019 before being traded to Seattle.
Throughout his career, Murphy's availability has been extremely limited due to injury problems, limiting him to just 317 appearances in total.
A lighter workload behind Bailey could potentially give Murphy a chance to alleviate his injury issues and find a role as a go-to power hitting option off the Giants bench.
Despite his offensive prowess when available, Murphy has not been a strong contributor on the defensive side of the ball, where Bailey happens to excel.
Having two catchers with opposing strengths in their games could give Giants manager Bob Melvin more versatility at the position throughout the season.