It’s been less than 24 hours since teams have had free reign to sign free agents from other clubs, and one of the Mets free agents is already garnering discussion.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports is reporting the Rockies have discussed internally the possibility of signing Daniel Murphy.
According to Rosenthal, the Rockies would conceivably sign Murphy to play first base.
The Rockies are essentially set around their infield with Nolan Arenado, Jose Reyes, and DJ LeMahieu left to right, but really lack a viable, everyday option at first base now that Justin Morneau is a free agent. They have Ben Paulsen who was decent there, but Murphy would unquestionably be an upgrade for them if he chose to sign there strictly as a first baseman.
Murphy’s strongest position is third base, but he is a capable first baseman as well – he’s been about league average at first base throughout his entire career.
Coors Field would be a good ballpark for Murphy’s game, given the large dimensions and his ability to spray the ball gap-to-gap. He would also see an uptick in power as well, as do most players who play in that ballpark.
And for the Rockies, they wouldn’t have to relinquish their first round pick in the draft if they signed Murphy, since their first round selection is protected thanks to finishing in the bottom ten in the league in 2015.
And if he were to play first base, an uptick in power would go a long way towards enhancing his value as a player.
Just Mets 