2014 MLB Free Agent Profile: David Murphy

David Murphy was the first round pick of the Boston Red Sox in 2003, but he struggled in his first professional season and his prospect stock fell as a result. He debuted in 2006 and played in 23 games for the Red Sox before being traded to the Texas Rangers in a deadline deal for Eric Gagne in 2007. As a Ranger he established himself as a regular, playing in about 120 games a year. He owns a career .275/.337/.441 batting line and does not have an unusually pronounced home/road split despite playing his home games at the typically hitter-friendly Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

This year was a difficult one for Murphy. He had the worst year of his career, hitting only .220/.282/.374 on the heels of a 2012 season in which he hit .304/.380/.479. Murphy has experience with all three outfield positions, but he has mostly played left field. He has a very significant platoon split, with a career .280/.347/.469 line against right-handed pitchers and a .259/.306/.350 line against southpaws. He’s been rated as a very good defensive outfielder the past two years, with a +7.8 and +11.0 UZR in 2012 and 2013 respectively. It seems likely that his struggles in 2013 were the result of a career low batting average on balls in play of .227, as his career BABIP is .302.

The Cost

Fangraphs has projected Murphy to receive a two-year, $12.7 million contract. This seems like a reasonable deal for someone who can provide above average offense and good defense while perhaps being supported by a right-handed platoon partner.

The Fit

Both corner outfield spots for the 2014 Mets appear to be open and Murphy would seem to be a good fit, as his poor 2013 could help the Mets sign him to a reasonable contract. The Mets would likely consider platooning him with a right-handed hitter who, with Murphy, could provide very good production at a modest cost. Murphy has the potential to be a very good bounce-back candidate given his low 2013 BABIP and history of solid production before last season.