Giants, C Tom Murphy agree to 2-year contract

Field Level Media|published: Sat 23rd December, 17:05 2023

Aug 8, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Tom Murphy (2) celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at T-Mobile Park. credits: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco Giants is adding veteran catcher Tom Murphy after the free agent agreed to a two-year, $8.25 million contract that includes a $4 million option for 2026, the Giants announced Saturday.

The deal is worth $4 million in each of Murphy's first two seasons, and he will receive a $250,000 buyout if the Giants do not pick up his third-year option. He also will make a $20,000 annual donation to the Giants Community Fund in 2024 and 2025, and in 2026 if the option is exercised.

Murphy, 32, played in only 47 games last season for the Seattle Mariners after missing the final six weeks because of a left thumb injury. He batted .290 with a .335 on-base percentage, .538 slugging percentage, eight home runs and 17 RBIs in 145 at-bats.

The right-handed hitter has played for the Colorado Rockies (2015-18) and Mariners (2018-23) and is a career .244 hitter with 48 home runs and 126 RBIs in 911 at-bats over 314 games.

The Rockies selected him in the third round of the 2012 draft. The Mariners selected him off waivers March 25, 2019, and the teams made a trade four days later.

Murphy, who has battled injuries the last three seasons, figures to be the backup to starter Patrick Bailey.

Bailey, 24, was a Gold Glove finalist as a rookie in 2023 after ranking first in the National League by throwing out 25 runners last season and third with 50 assists. He also finished in a tie for first in errors (13) and passed balls (eight).

—Field Level Media