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Washington Nationals News: Daniel Murphy signing could be steal for the Nats

By Pablo Roa |

Today’s District Daily features stories on the advantages of the Daniel Murphy signing for the Washington Nationals and the team’s outlook for the rest of the offseason.

Good evening DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.

In today’s Daily, Matt Goldman of Beyond the Box Score discusses the Nationals’ deal with infielder Daniel Murphy. As Goldman writes in his article, the Nationals signed Murphy to a three-year, $37.5 million contract — a deal that could turn out to be a steal for the Nationals.

Goldman discusses several aspects of the deal for Murphy, including the fact that the infielder has been worth more money over the last three seasons than what the Nationals will pay him over the next three years (four, if you count the money deferred to 2020). Given Murphy’s value and the fact that he could be entering his best years as a player, the Nationals may have picked up a bargain with Murphy.

Of course, as Goldman notes, the deal is not without its downsides. The Nationals will lose their first-round pick in next year’s draft because Murphy had rejected a qualifying offer from the Mets. But the team also secures a second baseman for the next three years, which is solid insurance for a team that has seen several players toggle the position in recent years.

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In his article, Goldman also notes that Murphy may have missed out on a more lucrative deal by waiting so long to sign. Of course, having the loss of a draft pick attached to him didn’t help. But had he signed with another team earlier in the offseason, he may have gotten a bigger pay day than he did with the Nationals.

Also in today’s Daily, James Wagner of The Washington Post discusses what the next steps might be for the Nationals this offseason after filling their second base need with Murphy. As Wagner writes, the Nationals probably aren’t done making moves this offseason and still face questions in the outfield, the leadoff spot and the pitching staff.

Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.

Daniel Murphy’s offseason strategy may have cost him money

(Matt Goldman, Beyond the Box Score)

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, except…Daniel Murphy because he was just about to sign a three-year contract worth $37.5 million. In keeping with the offseason trend, this news seemingly came out of nowhere, as there was just one report linking the Nationals to Murphy before he ultimately agreed to terms.

In Murphy, Washington is getting a consistently above-average-hitting second baseman, who, barring injury, should be a great signing for the next three seasons. Read full article here.

What’s next after the Nationals’ deal with Daniel Murphy?

(James Wagner, Washington Post)

Over the Christmas holiday, the Washington Nationals came to terms with free agent former New York Met Daniel Murphy on a three-year, $37.5-million deal. The official announcement of the deal is pending a physical, which is expected after the holidays. Murphy had a four-year offer from another team but wanted to come to Washington because of the chance to compete in October, according to a person familiar with situation.

Murphy helps solve two of the Nationals’ big needs and a minor one: he’s a second baseman, which they had been looking for; he is a left-handed bat, which was needed in a right-handed heavy lineup; and he is a contact hitter. His defense, however, is his biggest weakness but he is versatile and can play several positions. So what’s next? Read full article here.

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