Fansided

Which AL contender needs Daniel Murphy the most?

By Joshua Sadlock

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 15: Daniel Murphy #20 of the Washington Nationals looks on after hitting a two run single against the New York Mets in the seventh inning during their game at Citi Field on July 15, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 15: Daniel Murphy #20 of the Washington Nationals looks on after hitting a two run single against the New York Mets in the seventh inning during their game at Citi Field on July 15, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 09: Daniel Murphy #20 of the Washington Nationals hits an RBI double scoring Anthony Rendon #6 (not pictured) in the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on August 9, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 09: Daniel Murphy #20 of the Washington Nationals hits an RBI double scoring Anthony Rendon #6 (not pictured) in the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on August 9, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

1. New York Yankees

The Yankees have given first baseman Greg Bird an extremely long leash this season, but he continues to disappoint. The 25-year-old may have produced some fireworks in the playoffs last year, but hits have been few and far between for him this year. Bird also spent an extended periord of time on the disabled list yet again. In 70 games this year, he is hitting just .211/.303/.414 with 11 home runs and 35 RBI.

After looking like they might be able to hang tough with the Red Sox all year, the Yankees find themselves nearly 10 games out of first place in the AL East. They are now fighting to stay ahead of the trio of AL West contenders for the first Wild Card. If the rotation continues to flounder the rest of August and in September, it isn’t out of the question to think the Yankees could miss the playoffs. Aaron Judge’s return looms large.

First base has been a massive headache for the Yankees for two years running. Overall, New York first basemen rank 27th in the league with a .671 OPS and have hit a pathetic .211/.288/.383. Only the Baltimore Orioles, who are running out Chris Davis in the middle of a historically bad year, have gotten a worse batting average from first base.

Murphy has already proven himself in New York City, and has made himself into one of the best hitters in baseball for average and power. With the weakness at first base the Yankees have suffered through all year, the fit here is too obvious. If the Nationals are finally going to get serious about getting something for one of their expiring assets before the end of the month, sending Murphy to the Yankees is their best bet for a strong return.

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