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MLB Rumors: 10 free agency signings that need to happen

By Steven McNeil

Oct 4, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) doubles during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) doubles during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 21, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets third baseman Daniel Murphy (28) hits an RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit:
Jul 21, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets third baseman Daniel Murphy (28) hits an RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: /

6) Daniel Murphy 2B – Nationals

The Nationals tried courting Ben Zobrist, and then they tried to sneak in as the mystery team in the Jason Heyward sweepstakes. They didn’t win either player, but they have netted a new manager in Dusty Baker this offseason, and that’s it. They have lost Jordan Zimmermann and Yunel Escobar, and have a need at second base for a little more offense than what Danny Espinosa has offered.

Would the Nationals sneak Daniel Murphy away from their in-division rivals? Some think so, and that the Mets are only interested in offering Murphy a one or two-year deal. We already know that the Nationals attempted to land Brandon Phillips from the Cincinnati Reds last week, and Phillips decided he wasn’t feeling like playing for a contender.

What Murphy brings to the table is offensive consistency at second. In his seven years, Murphy has a slash of .288/.331/.424, with a career wRC+ of 109 (according to Fangraphs). With Murphy’s sudden power burst in the playoffs, one has to think that in a full season of playing at Nationals Park he could see an uptick in his power throughout the regular season.

With the Nationals’ willingness to open up the pocket book for Heyward and Zobrist, one would think that they are willing to open it up for Murphy, especially if he can bring some secrets on how to beat the Mets’ pitching with him. This is something that needs to happen for the Nationals; they have not gotten better this offseason, and after last season’s not-so-wonderful finish, the time is now to improve this club.

Next: Kenta Maeda

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