Colorado Rockies: The effects of moving Daniel Murphy's contract

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For the Colorado Rockies, the 2020 season represents a critical year in the franchise’s development. After back-to-back postseason appearances, Colorado struggled to a 71-91 and finished 35 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West standings.

The disappointments in 2019 certainly weren’t for a lack of spending. According to Spotrac.com, the Colorado Rockies were 12th in Major League Baseball last season with a payroll of a franchise-high $156,582,629. Four teams (the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees and the Dodgers) had payrolls that exceeded $200 million.

There is no question that the Rockies have been spending money to try to improve the team and get back to the World Series. There are plenty of questions, however, if that spending has brought back the expected return on investment for Colorado to stay competitive.

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Following the 2020 season, there are four big contracts that are set to expire (even though each has options to extend them past that season). Next year’s expiring contracts includes Wade Davis ($17 million), Jake McGee ($9.5 million), Bryan Shaw ($9 million) and Daniel Murphy ($8 million).

Of those, it is perhaps Murphy that could be the easiest to move for the Rockies. However, “easiest” does not in any way mean that it will be easy for it happen.

If the Rockies could find a trade partner, that partner would not only be taking on the 34-year-old Murphy’s $8 million contract but also a $6 million buyout for the 2021 season if the team and Murphy decides to part ways. If they stay together for the 2021 season, Murphy has a $12 million mutual option that would kick in.

That’s not cheap, and the Rockies may also be limited in their trade partner possibilities as Murphy’s defensive liabilities were well-documented last season in general manager Jeff Bridich’s latest attempt to sign a first baseman. Knowing that Murphy isn’t strong in the field, the Rockies could be looking to partner with an American League team that needs a designated hitter and could best hide Murphy’s defense.

However, last season also didn’t do any favors for the Rockies in terms of pushing Murphy’s offensive capabilities. He hit a career-low .279 while trying to fight back from a broken finger suffered in the season’s second game, marking the second straight season an injury had derailed Murphy’s campaign. He also hit 35 doubles, his lowest mark in seasons where he has played in 110 games or more.

“I thought Daniel’s year, all the way around, was just okay,” Bridich said at the end-of-season get-together that has collected so much scrutiny.

Enough said.

Knowing all of this, could the Rockies move Murphy? It’s possible, and here would be the effects and possibilities.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 19: Daniel Murphy #9 of the Colorado Rockies reacts in the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on July 19, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Which teams would be most likely a fit for Murphy?

Among American League teams, the Chicago White Sox might be a solid fit for Murphy. Jose Abreu was the designated hitter for the Sox in 34 games last season, only behind Yonder Alonso‘s 40 games (and we know Alonso ended the season with the Rockies). Rookie Zack Collins was the DH in 10 of Chicago’s September games but finished the season hitting just .186/.307/.349 overall.

Abreu is an unrestricted free agent this season and likely won’t be back with the Sox after being paid $16 million last year. So could the White Sox have an opening at DH? It’s possible.

If it’s not the White Sox, as stated earlier, the Rockies would need to likely find another AL team as its trade partner so Murphy could DH on most occasions.

What would the Rockies get in return for Murphy?

Likely mid-level prospects since the focus would be more on shedding his contract than the return. If another team’s pitcher needed a “change of venue” after recent struggles, the Rockies would likely take a chance on him.

If Murphy leaves, what does that do to Colorado’s lineup?

With Murphy gone from first base, Ryan McMahon would likely slide over from second to first to fill the position. Josh Fuentes played 96.1 innings at first last season (including the final two games against Milwaukee) and 24-year-old power-hitting Roberto Ramos is still waiting for his chance to show what he can do at the Major League level.

With McMahon as the primary first baseman, second base could be held down by Garrett Hampson (who shined in extended September playing time) or Brendan Rodgers (expected to be healthy again when 2020 drills begin).

Yes, an infield of Nolan Arenado–Trevor Story-Hampson/Rodgers and McMahon is very appealing.

Next. Comparing the worth of Nolan Arenado's contract to the other "big three". dark

What are the odds that the Rockies could move Murphy’s contract?

It’s going to be tough to find a team that would be a good fit and take on the contract. We’ll put it at about 20 percent.

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Colorado Rockies: The effects of moving Daniel Murphy’s contract

For the Colorado Rockies, the 2020 season represents a critical year in the franchise’s development. After back-to-back postseason appearances, Colorado struggled to a 71-91 and finished 35 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West standings.

Which teams would be most likely a fit for Murphy?

What would the Rockies get in return for Murphy?

If Murphy leaves, what does that do to Colorado’s lineup?

What are the odds that the Rockies could move Murphy’s contract?

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