Chicago Cubs Rumors: The Cubs Should Let Daniel Murphy Sign Elsewhere

Should the Chicago Cubs think about bringing Daniel Murphy back to Wrigley? Would resigning the lefty be a mistake?

The Chicago Cubs will have a few interesting decisions to make during their offseason. One of them regards 33-year-old second baseman, Daniel Murphy. The Cubs acquired Murphy in late August from the Washington Nationals and his acquisition proved to be worthwhile.

Joe Maddon slid Murphy into the leadoff spot and the lefty hit .297/329/.471. With Addison Russell set to miss time next season due to his suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s Domestic Violence Policy, we are left to wonder, should the Cubs bring Daniel Murphy back to Wrigley?

According to MLB.com, Cubs’ President of Baseball Operations, Theo Epstein, is willing to consider a reunion.

“I wouldn’t rule anything out,” Epstein said. “He did a lot to right our offense right after he got here and contribute while being asked to play a bigger role than we envisioned when we got him because of injuries and because of a lack of performance offensively and because of the schedule.”

Daniel Murphy did help the Cubs last year, but he did because of their current situation. Retaining Murphy could help the Cubs again in the short term, but he will likely be looking for a long(ish) term contract. What would the Cubs do with Murphy when Russell comes back? Daniel Murphy is going to look for an opportunity to play every day, not a platoon role.

While Murphy may be able to hold his own at second base next season, his body may force him into a first base/designated hitter type of roll in the near future. Murphy isn’t a spring chicken. While 33 years old (soon to be 34) is not “old”, Murphy is on the back nine of his career. If I were the Cubs, I would be very wary of investing in an aging player who has shown to have bad knees. The Cubs are a National League team so DH is out of the question and Anthony Rizzo is already locked in at first base. Is Murphy really that good of a fit?

I would say yes if Murphy is willing to accept a one to two-year contract. This will not happen as Murphy has shown that he can still be an impactful bat. There will be a market for teams interested in his skills.

I can see Daniel Murphy seeking a three-four year contract with an American League team. His positional versatility is still very valuable. An American League team could take advantage of this in the short term, allowing Murphy to age into a first base/DH type of roll.

Daniel Murphy is far from being over the hill, but he is at the point of his career where he needs to find the right fit for his current situation. Murphy will not return to the Chicago Cubs and the club will be making a mistake if they pursue him with a contract longer than two seasons. Theo Epstein and Co. should let the talent lefty sign elsewhere.