AP source: Daniel Murphy, Rockies agree to $24M, 2-year deal
DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies have brought in Daniel Murphy to boost an offense big on pop but lackluster in batting average.
The veteran infielder has agreed to a $24 million, two-year contract with the Rockies, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday night. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was subject to a successful physical.
The Rockies hit .256 last season, their lowest mark in team history. The team had 210 homers, the fifth-most in franchise history and the most since 2001.
Murphy figures to raise that batting average. He is a .330 hitter in 26 games at Coors Field.
The 33-year-old Murphy spent last season with the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs, where he hit a combined .299 with 12 homers. The three-time All-Star missed the start of the year after undergoing right knee surgery.
Murphy could play second base for the Rockies if DJ LeMahieu departs in free agency. The Rockies also may be looking at Murphy to take over at first base should Ian Desmond move to the outfield. The team figures to lose outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Gerardo Parra in free agency.
The Rockies are coming off a season in which they made the postseason for a second straight season, marking the first time they’ve made back-to-back playoff appearances. They were eliminated by the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL divisional round after knocking off the Cubs in the wild-card game.
Colorado is still searching for its first NL West title in franchise history. The team took the Los Angeles Dodgers to game No. 163 last season before losing the division title.
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AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.
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