According to William Ladson of MLB.com, the Washington Nationals have expressed interest in signing free-agent second baseman Daniel Murphy.
The Nationals have their fingers in a lot of pots since missing out Ben Zobrist and Jason Heyward, both of whom spurned higher offers from the Nats.
They have been connected to free agents and former Mets Kelly Johnson and Yoenis Cespedes in addition to Murphy, and are even exploring a trade for Brandon Phillips after going nowhere in talks for Todd Frazier who was dealt to the White Sox.
Signing Murphy would cost the Nationals their upcoming first-round draft pick, and presumably he would take over at third base where Yunel Escobar resided last season before he was traded last month.
It all depends on what they decide to do with Anthony Rendon. Manager Dusty Baker has hinted that Rendon could be the everyday third baseman in 2016 which would mean a return to second base for Murphy if they were to sign him.
Murphy, 30, slashed at .281/.322.449 this past season for the Mets with 38 doubles, 14 home runs and 73 RBI. And of course you’re all well aware of his exploits in the playoffs and World Series.
I’d rather see them shell out the big bucks for Murphy than to see Cespedes roaming in their outfield. I have this image in my head of Nats GM Mike Rizzo running around with a boatload of cash and no clue as to how to spend it. Reminds me of someone we used to know.
