AL GM: Daniel Murphy could command $75 million or more in free agency

New York Mets' postseason hero Daniel Murphy is going to have an interesting free agent market this offseason. 

In a recent column, I pegged Murphy to receive a four-year, $60 million contract this offseason. However, in Nick Cafardo's Sunday baseball column, it appears as if he could get more, even though Murphy will reportedly be receiving a $15.8 million qualifying offer from the Mets. 

"Obviously, he’s not going to be as hot as he’s been in the postseason, but he plays positions where his power plays well,” an American League GM told Cafardo. “There are teams like the Dodgers and Yankees who need a second baseman. Others, like the Angels, need a third baseman, where he also plays. He’s going to be sought-after and get a five-year deal at around $75MM. Maybe more.”

Just a few weeks ago, Murphy may have not even received $50 million in free agency. He's a good, contact-hitting, versatile infielder that could be worth 2.5 fWAR per season over the life of his next deal. 

This season, Murphy hit .281/.322/.449 with a 110 wRC+ and 14 home runs and 56 runs batted in over 538 plate appearances. He was worth 2.5 fWAR, as a combination of his solid offense and above-average defense. 

Cafardo lists the Orioles, Astros, Padres, and Tigers as other possible fits for Murphy. 

--Devan Fink

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