Fansided

Each MLB team’s current Hall of Famer

By Benjamin Chase

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 27: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim first baseman Albert Pujols (5) and center fielder Mike Trout (27) head for the dugout after both scored on an Angels hit in the seventh inning of a game against the New York Yankees played on April 27, 2018 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 27: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim first baseman Albert Pujols (5) and center fielder Mike Trout (27) head for the dugout after both scored on an Angels hit in the seventh inning of a game against the New York Yankees played on April 27, 2018 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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MLB Hall of Fame
MESA, AZ – FEBRUARY 22: Sean Murphy #75 of the Oakland Athletics poses for a portrait during photo day at HoHoKam Stadium on February 22, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Oakland Athletics: Sean Murphy

The first you’ll see, but not the last, Murphy has not even seen major league time yet. Ranked as the #8 overall prospect at catcher coming into 2018 by yours truly, that ranking already seems low.

Murphy was originally drafted by the Athletics in the 3rd round of the 2016 draft out o Wright State, and many thought he could move quickly to the major leagues due to his advanced defensive work behind the plate. The glovework has remained, but he’s continued to add to his offensive game.

Murphy flashed some of that offensive game in 2017’s regular season, which saw him climb up high-A to AA. He then went to the Arizona Fall League, where he slashed .309/.413/.368 with an impressive 10/7 BB/K ratio. He’s taken his offensive game to a whole other level in 2018.

Coming out of the gates with AA Midland, Murphy has hit for incredible power, with a minor league baseball leading 12 doubles in April, along with 3 home runs. He’s also kept up his stellar defensive work, leading one scout to mention to me that he would be surprised if Murphy doesn’t make his MLB debut this season.

With the emphasis on catching in the modern era, a guy like Murphy who brings the skills to play high-level defense for many years along with enough offense to be an impact at the plate as well, Murphy has a chance to stand out in an era that seeks out his level of excellence.

Next: Blue Jays

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