MLB Free Agents Rumors: Detroit Tigers & Chicago White Sox Favorites to Sign Daniel Murphy
The majority of high value MLB free agents have already found new homes. Johnny Cueto is with the San Francisco Giants, Zack Greinke landed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Jason Heyward is now with the Chicago Cubs.
But another notable player, Daniel Murphy, is still unsigned. Murphy had an incredible postseason last year in which he hit seven home runs for the New York Mets, a franchise record. Murphy wanted to return to the Mets very much, but it doesn't appear as if that's going to happen, especially with Neil Walker now on the roster.
According to the New York Post, the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox are the favorites to land Murphy in the American League.
The Tigers ranked 15th overall in runs scored and 18th in home runs last season, so they could definitely use some more offensive weapons. Murphy isn't the greatest power hitter, but he does have a career .288 batting average. This could be a good signing for the Tigers because Murphy won't cost a lot. Although Murphy went on a sensational tear in the beginning of the playoffs, he only posted a .150 batting average in the World Series against the Kansas City Royals. Reality started to set in for the 30-year-old infielder.
The White Sox are the other team included in that report, which makes sense considering they have huge needs on offense. The White Sox offense ranked 28th overall in runs scored and 22nd in team batting average. Jose Abreu was the only player to even hit more than 15 home runs or even bat .290 this previous year. Murphy obviously won't change things dramatically for the White Sox, but he can at least provide a little spark as a designated hitter. There's a very good chance Murphy will be signed by a team in the AL for that very reason.
Maybe Murphy should have accepted that $15.8 million qualifying offer.
Murphy has played his entire seven-year career with the Mets. He's had some good memorable moments, but again, he's still very limited and he's not getting any younger. The amount of money doesn't appear to be a huge issue for Murphy as much as the length of a new contract. The Mets have a lot invested in their elite pitching staff. If Murphy continues to go unsigned for another two to three weeks, this could work out really good for the Mets. They may actually get him back at a huge discount.
Speaking of free agents and the Mets, Yoenis Céspedes is still available as well. The mid-season addition of the Cuban-born outfielder helped the Mets dramatically last season. Céspedes was one of the most productive hitters on the Mets last year, but he may be playing elsewhere next season. The Royals have shown some interest in him. If the Mets are going to re-sign Céspedes, it probably won't be for a long-term contract as many valuable free agents will be becoming available next offseason.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1
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