Update: 2:51 PM MT
The Rockies have officially announced the deal.
OFFICIAL: The Colorado Rockies have agreed to terms on a two-year contract, plus 2021 option, with infielder Daniel Murphy. pic.twitter.com/9vlCk1dNeZ
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) December 21, 2018
Update: December 21, 9:53 AM MT
The full details of Murphy’s contract have been revealed by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Awards bonuses in deal are for All-Star, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, LCS MVP, WS MVP, league MVP, comeback player. Standard package. If Murphy gets any one of them, buyout on mutual option increases by $1M. https://t.co/k7vWD55IiA
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 21, 2018
Update: 7:22 PM MT
Robert Murray of The Athletic reports that Murphy’s deal also includes a mutual option and buyout for the 2021 season. Terms for the option and buyout have not yet been reported.
The Rockies have reportedly agreed to a deal with infielder Daniel Murphy, as first reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Murphy will earn $24 million over 2 years, reports Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.
The club has not confirmed.
Murphy is coming off a 2018 in which he slashed .299/.336/.454, with 12 home runs and 42 runs batted in. Murphy was on the disabled list from the beginning of the season until June 12 while recovering from right knee surgery. After getting off to a slow start with the Washington Nationals, Murphy was traded to the Chicago Cubs on August 21st.
Murphy is capable of playing both first base and second base, though he has rated as a terrible defender at the keystone (negative-83 Defensive Runs Saved at 2B, compared to 18 DRS at 1B). Passan expects that Murphy will primarily factor in at first base for the Rockies.
With DJ LeMahieu still on the free agent market (and the Rockies showing no signs of an interest in a reunion), Murphy could factor in with young players like Ryan McMahon, Garrett Hampson or Pat Valaika at second base. Ian Desmond will likely transition to the outfield to allow Murphy to see the bulk of the action at first base.