SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The San Francisco Giants have bolstered their roster with a key acquisition, finalizing a two-year Major League contract with catcher Tom Murphy. The deal, valued at $8.25 million, also includes a club option for the 2026 season.
Under the terms of the agreement, Murphy is set to earn $4 million annually in 2024 and 2025. The contract also stipulates a club option for 2026, offering a $4 million base salary for that year. Should the Giants choose not to exercise this option, Murphy will receive a $250,000 buyout. In a gesture of community commitment, Murphy has pledged to donate $20,000 annually to the Giants Community Fund during the first two years of his contract and an additional $20,000 in 2026 if the option is exercised.
Murphy, approaching his 33rd birthday on April 3, brings a solid track record from his Major League tenure with Colorado (2015-2018) and Seattle (2019-2023). Over 315 games, he has achieved a career batting average of .244, hitting 45 doubles, 48 home runs, and driving in 126 runs, alongside a .769 OPS. His stint with the Mariners from 2019-2023 was particularly noteworthy, with Murphy hitting 38 homers and achieving a .784 OPS over 234 games.
The 2023 season saw Murphy in fine form, batting .290 with 19 runs, 12 doubles, eight home runs, and 17 RBI, culminating in an impressive .873 OPS across 47 games. Defensively, he recorded a career-low 3.18 catcher ERA in 351.1 innings behind the plate for Seattle, despite his season being cut short due to a left thumb sprain that landed him on the 10-day Injured List on August 14.
Murphy, hailing from West Monroe, NY, has been particularly effective against left-handed pitchers, boasting a career .842 OPS in 473 plate appearances. In the previous season, he excelled against southpaws with an .869 OPS, while also demonstrating strong performance against right-handers with a .288/.314/.563 slash line.
The Giants’ acquisition of Murphy marks a significant move in their strategy to strengthen their catching capabilities and overall team composition. His experience and proven track record at the Major League level make him a valuable asset for the Giants as they look ahead to the upcoming seasons.
