Colorado Rockies rumors: Deal almost done with Daniel Murphy?

The Colorado Rockies are reportedly close to signing free agent Daniel Murphy, filling one of the offensive needs but opening up other questions.

MLB.com’s Thomas Harding is reporting that the Colorado Rockies will likely ink Daniel Murphy to a two-year deal.

We discussed what the 33-year-old Murphy would bring to the Colorado Rockies in this article. Just two seasons ago, he finished second in the National League Most Valuable Player voting when he pieced together a .347/.397/.595 slash line with the Washington Nationals. Throughout that season, he was chasing DJ LeMahieu for the batting title, falling just short on the final day of the campaign.

Since then, Murphy underwent knee surgery and missed more than 60 games with the Nationals before being traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he saw action in 35 games last season. He also once again had to answer questions about comments he made in recent years about his thoughts on the homosexual lifestyle.

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Those same questions will likely be asked by many Rockies fans, some of whom are already scratching their heads about Murphy’s signing and how he will be viewed for not only his play on the field but also his beliefs.

But let’s talk about on the field and the Rockies likely signing Murphy to play first base, a position where he has seen action in 225 games in eight seasons. As our Ryan Ladika wrote in his article, Murphy’s defensive metrics show he can not only be a plus for Colorado in the lineup, but also a boost over Ian Desmond at first base.

Let’s not forget that Desmond was signed just over two seasons ago with the thought he would slow the carousel at first base at 20th and Blake. Now it appears there is another change coming for the Rockies at first.

What else does this mean? It means that Desmond likely shifts to the outfield, meaning an outfield consisting of David Dahl, Charlie Blackmon and Desmond is very possible on Opening Day. It also means that Ryan McMahon will once again be fighting a veteran for playing time at first base.

With that in mind, McMahon could see time at second base, joining Garrett Hampson and Pat Valaika in a battle to replace LeMahieu.

UPDATE …