Toronto Blue Jays left field trade possibilities

Sep 28, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians right fielder David Murphy (7) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

David Murphy  –  Cleveland Indians

Contract Remaining:  1 year, $6M ($7M team option for 2016 with $500K buyout)

The addition of Brandon Moss leaves the Cleveland Indians with three left-handed bats in the outfield, and many have speculated that Murphy will be their first choice to move.  In the situation that the Jays can’t find a single starter out of their tryout group, Murphy is a name that Anthopoulos would be wise to consider closer to Opening Day.

Murphy is entering his 12th season in the Major Leagues with a career slash line of .273 / .335 / .433.  While he’s stronger against right-handed hitters, he scrapes by against lefties and could be a full-time option if the Blue Jays hope to avoid a platoon situation in left field.

The risk involved with Murphy is that his play has been all over the place since 2012.  In that season, Murphy batted .304 / .380 / .479 with 15 home runs and 61 runs batted in.  In 2013, Murphy plummeted to his worst professional season with a .220 average before resurfacing towards his career averages last season.  At 33 years old, age shouldn’t be a factor yet, but the Blue Jays can’t afford to trade for a player that will have a down year.

Murphy played average defense for much of his career before a slight dip in 2014, and has the ability to work the count for walks.  Whether it be as a fringe starter or solid fourth outfielder, Murphy is a name to watch.

Next: Another veteran from a division rival