Sean Murphy
The Boston Red Sox already showed interest in Sean Murphy. Those talks should be revisited this offseason.
The Red Sox knew they needed to find a replacement when Christian Vazquez was sent to Houston. They had begun talks with the A’s regarding Murphy, a player made expendable due to his impending journey into arbitration and to prospect Shea Langeliers being ready for the majors. While nothing happened before the deadline, those talks were expected to pick back up when the 2022 campaign came to an end.
Murphy would be a perfect fit behind the plate. He posted a .250/.332/.426 batting line in his 612 plate appearances, hitting 18 homers and 37 doubles. The 2021 AL Gold Glove winner behind the plate, he was named as a finalist for the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards this season.
He would also provide more than a solid bat to the lineup. Murphy is a leader behind the dish, someone that can command the game and get the most out of a pitching staff. If the likes of Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez do leave, the Red Sox will have a significant leadership void amongst their position players. Murphy may not have that champion pedigree, but he can be the leader the Red Sox need.
The Boston Red Sox need a long term answer behind the plate. Sean Murphy would be their best option.