The Mets and Nationals reportedly talked about a deal for the second baseman, though a trade sounds unlikely.
The trade deadline is just over an hour away, and the Mets have reportedly spoken to the Nationals about a deal involving second baseman Daniel Murphy.
Sources: #Nationals have expressed interest in #Mets’ Murphy as well as #Indians’ Cabrera. Deal for Murphy considered a longshot.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2014Murphy has been a hot topic of conversation around here, with opposing articles in favor of trading him and arguing for a long-term contract extension running over the last couple of days.
Murphy is having the best season of his career, hitting .295/.341/.423 and making his first All-Star Game appearance a couple of weeks ago. He's leading the National League in hits with 130 and in at-bats with 440, the former a tick in his favor and the latter a consequence of his drawing very few walks.
Murphy is making $5.7 million this year, his second season of arbitration eligibility. He could earn upwards of $10 million through arbitration next season, after which he'll be a free agent. He turns 30 next April, and could interest a lot of teams looking to upgrade their offense at second base.