MLB rumor roundup: 3 things to watch at MLB Winter Meetings on Day 2
By Kevin Henry
MLB rumor: Oakland A’s are trading Sean Murphy to…
Rumors broke on Sunday afternoon that the Oakland A’s were reportedly close to making a deal with the Atlanta Braves that would have sent coveted catcher Sean Murphy to the defending National League East champions. However, as quick as the rumor appeared, it was rebuffed, with a tease about Murphy still being traded … just not to the Braves.
The St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Guardians, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox have been named as potential destinations for the 28-year-old Murphy, who led the A’s with 3.5 bWAR last season after slashing .250/.332/.426 with 18 home runs and 66 RBI.
Meanwhile, the Braves are reportedly not in the market to add to or subtract from their deep catching corps heading into spring training, quieting any thoughts of a Murphy trade.
Alex Anthopoulos said the Braves will go into spring training with all three catchers (Travis d'Arnaud, William Contreras, Manny Piña). He said the Braves will be open-minded, but "I do not anticipate a trade, so just to shut that down."
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) December 4, 2022
Under team control through the 2025 campaign, Murphy is expected to continue to be in the middle of trade rumors until the A’s decide which deal will continue their recent string of franchise-changing swaps.
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