Washington Nationals: Could 2018 be Daniel Murphy’s final season in DC?
By Drew Douglas
Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy is entering the final year of his contract. Could he return in 2019?
After trading Yunel Escobar to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim following the 2015 season, the Washington Nationals were in need of a second baseman. Their top two targets were Brandon Phillips and Ben Zobrist, but they came up short on both.
Eventually, Daniel Murphy fell into their lap. He was coming off of an incredible postseason, but not many people believed he could maintain that level of success. After all, he was a pesky hitter at best prior to the postseason explosion.
Now, after two All-Star nominations and two Silver Slugger Awards in a span of two years, we can safely say that the 2015 postseason was just a glimpse into what Murphy is capable of. He has been outstanding for the Nats, and has established himself as one of the most dangerous hitters in the league.
Unfortunately for the Nats, Murphy’s contract expires after the 2018 season. Bryce Harper‘s contract expires after the season as well, so the Nats could be losing quite a bit of left-handed power soon.
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Murphy’s potential free agency is a unique case because he will be 33 next off-season, but he has been a late bloomer and is a true student of the game. 33-year-old ballplayers typically do not receive lucrative deals in free agency, but Murphy could be an exception.
One thing that could allow Murphy to remain productive into his late-30’s is his knowledge of hitting. At any moment, he can be spotted in the dugout talking hitting with anyone willing to listen. He also studies his swing and analytics, always looking for a way to improve. Because of this, he will be able to make the necessary adjustments to his swing as he ages.
However, Murphy’s defense could hold him back a bit on a National League team. While he has worked hard and improved defensively, he will likely only decline from now on. If Murphy were to remain with the Nats into his late-30’s, he would probably be best served moving to a corner infield position, but Ryan Zimmerman and Anthony Rendon have the corners locked down.
Murphy’s future may be better-suited in the American League, where he can DH. The DH position was originally created to prolong the careers of great hitters once they could no longer play the field, and Murphy fits this description perfectly.
All things considered, the Nats will likely let Murphy go after 2018. He has been great for them so far, leading them to two consecutive division titles, but he would be a better fit with an American League team.
While losing Murphy could create a void in the Nats’ lineup, they are prepared for life after him. Wilmer Difo established himself as an exciting young infielder in 2017, and he should be ready for an everyday role in 2019. If Murphy departs in free agency, Difo could easily step in and not miss a beat.
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It would be difficult to watch Murphy depart after all he has done for the Nats, but it may be the best thing to do. Hopefully the Nats can win it all in 2018, so he can at least win a ring with the Nats before departing.