I suppose with the acquisition of Blake Hunt yesterday we only need one of these guys. Garver seems like an upgrade based on stats, post-season experience, and positional versatility. But Murphy is the safer bet. I’d stick with him and only chase Garver if Murphy indicates he wants to shop around. M’s front office needs to focus on other acquisitions and Raleigh/Murphy gives them one of the best catching situations in the league.
Thanks for reading Michael! I don’t think Hunt’s acquisition is a game changer. He could be Raleigh’s backup. He could be AAA depth, which the M’s could use. Garver’s offensive history trumps Murphy’s. But as you said, Murphy is a known quantity, which probably matters from a pitching staff standpoint. Obviously, Garver and Murphy control their destiny.
The Mariners and their fans have every reason to want Tom Murphy back.
But think of the situation from Murphy’s perspective. Does the free agent want to sign to back up Cal Raleigh again? Or does Murphy, who turns 33 years old Opening Week 2024, want a shot at a deserved starting role at a possible higher salary?
I could be wrong, it happens all the time. But I’m not sure there’s going be a big demand pulse for a 33-year-old right-handed hitting catcher with below average defensive metrics, who’s never played in 100 game and has a history of struggling against right-handed pitching.
Murphy is the best back-up catcher option here given he’s the known quantity, but I would be happy to see them sign Garver, too. He can take DH bats, be the backstop, and play some first base which makes him a potential DH/third catcher/bench bat similar to his role in Texas this year.
Hey, Douglas. Thanks for reading! Perez is an intriguing name. His strikeout rate and hard-hit rate made him a candidate for my piece. But in the end, I decided to not include him for several reasons.
First, his OPS+ and SLG have been on a steady decline over the last three seasons, which is likely attributable to age-related regression. With that in mind, his price tag ($42 million over the next two year) is rather steep for a player, who's likely in decline. It's plausible KC would eat some of his salary. But that would require the M's to send more prospect value in the deal. I'm not sure either scenario makes sense for Seattle or any club.
Also, Perez has full no-trade protection. So, he could veto any deal to a club he didn't feel comfortable with. I can't speak for him. But I'm not sure why he'd approve a trade to come to an unfamiliar situation and be used in an unfamiliar role when he could stay in the city that loves him and the team that's named him captain this year.
Never say never. But dealing for Perez would be a surprise for me.
it is also about relationship with the pitchers, not only stats
Totally agree!
I suppose with the acquisition of Blake Hunt yesterday we only need one of these guys. Garver seems like an upgrade based on stats, post-season experience, and positional versatility. But Murphy is the safer bet. I’d stick with him and only chase Garver if Murphy indicates he wants to shop around. M’s front office needs to focus on other acquisitions and Raleigh/Murphy gives them one of the best catching situations in the league.
Thanks for reading Michael! I don’t think Hunt’s acquisition is a game changer. He could be Raleigh’s backup. He could be AAA depth, which the M’s could use. Garver’s offensive history trumps Murphy’s. But as you said, Murphy is a known quantity, which probably matters from a pitching staff standpoint. Obviously, Garver and Murphy control their destiny.
The Mariners and their fans have every reason to want Tom Murphy back.
But think of the situation from Murphy’s perspective. Does the free agent want to sign to back up Cal Raleigh again? Or does Murphy, who turns 33 years old Opening Week 2024, want a shot at a deserved starting role at a possible higher salary?
I could be wrong, it happens all the time. But I’m not sure there’s going be a big demand pulse for a 33-year-old right-handed hitting catcher with below average defensive metrics, who’s never played in 100 game and has a history of struggling against right-handed pitching.
it is also about relationship with the pitchers, not only stats
Murphy is the best back-up catcher option here given he’s the known quantity, but I would be happy to see them sign Garver, too. He can take DH bats, be the backstop, and play some first base which makes him a potential DH/third catcher/bench bat similar to his role in Texas this year.
I would like to see the Mariners trade for Salvador Perez, who can back up Raleigh as well as fill in at First Base and DH.
Hey, Douglas. Thanks for reading! Perez is an intriguing name. His strikeout rate and hard-hit rate made him a candidate for my piece. But in the end, I decided to not include him for several reasons.
First, his OPS+ and SLG have been on a steady decline over the last three seasons, which is likely attributable to age-related regression. With that in mind, his price tag ($42 million over the next two year) is rather steep for a player, who's likely in decline. It's plausible KC would eat some of his salary. But that would require the M's to send more prospect value in the deal. I'm not sure either scenario makes sense for Seattle or any club.
Also, Perez has full no-trade protection. So, he could veto any deal to a club he didn't feel comfortable with. I can't speak for him. But I'm not sure why he'd approve a trade to come to an unfamiliar situation and be used in an unfamiliar role when he could stay in the city that loves him and the team that's named him captain this year.
Never say never. But dealing for Perez would be a surprise for me.