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★★★
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (in which case, consult a doctor, don’t peruse the Internet), you’ve seen the absolute tear that Daniel Murphy has gone on in the postseason. The Mets second baseman has hit home runs in six straight games, a streak than can continue when the World Series kicks off on Tuesday. It’s been an incredible run for someone who has been little more than a bit piece throughout his career. While pitching has gotten the Mets to where they are, Murphy’s bat has been just about their only source of offense. His hot streak earned him the NLCS MVP, as well as his very own t-shirt.
The power surge comes at an optimal time for Murphy. Not only is it happening in the postseason when the lights shine the brightest and all the eyes in the game are on him, but it’s also coming right before he’s due to hit free agency. In fact, it’s already being reported that the Mets plan on extending him the qualifying offer, something that seemed very unlikely just a few weeks ago. Now, reports are coming out regarding how other teams value him and, let’s just say Murphy is not going to be a poor man. According to one report from Nick Cafardo, his next contract could be worth $75 million.
Of course, many would view this kind of deal as an overpay and an overreaction to recent events, and they’d likely be right. Murphy has always been a solid bat, but he’s never hit like this. His career-high in home runs is just 14. On top of that, he doesn’t really have a tradition as it’s becoming more and more clear he’s not a good fit at second base. However, just because the deal would be an overpay doesn’t mean he can’t be a helpful piece. He’s always been an above-average hitter and should help most lineups. Murphy is already on his way to a relatively huge contract, the only thing that’s left to see is if he can continue to grow his stock during the World Series.
- The Mets will be taking on the Royals in the Fall Classic, and Kansas City seems mildly excited to be back.
- Toronto fans have to be sad about the way the season ended, but overall there’s much more to be happy about with their 2015.
- Are we in a new “draft and develop” era? I think the Yankees, Dodgers and Red Sox (among others) may have a few things to say about that moving forward.
- Ken Rosenthal has an important look at the major problems with the league’s hiring strategies.
- The Cardinals have a ton of outfield depth, but that doesn’t mean they should let Jason Heyward walk.
- It was a disappointing season in Detroit, but there were some positives they can take into 2016.
- Remember when the Nationals tried to form a super bullpen with Jonathan Papelbon and Drew Storen? Now they may try to move them both.
- The offseason hasn’t started yet, but we’re already getting trades!
- Kyle Kendrick’s expectations before the season were microscopic. Somehow, he failed to live up to his expectations.
- Infield web gems are more exciting (this is an indisputable fact), but watching a whole bunch of great outfield plays isn’t too bad, either.
- Troy Tulowitzki is still hurting from being traded by the Rockies.
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