MLB Rumors: Guardians In Talks With A’s Over Top Trade Target

According to multiple sources, as reported by Zack Meisel of The Athletic, the Cleveland Guardians are in serious discussions with the Oakland A's for much sought-after catcher Sean Murphy. 

The Guardians are in need of a backstop, and the A's have a major league-ready catching prospect at Triple-A in Shea Langeliers. the 24-year-old has blasted 19 home runs with an .883 OPS at Las Vegas of the Pacific Coast League, and he's made Murphy expendable, despite the latter's 3 1/2 years of team control remaining. 

Cleveland has been getting paltry production from behind the plate, with both their catchers, Luke Maile and Austin Hedges hitting below the .200 mark. 

As Meisel writes, "Cleveland needs an offensive jolt at catcher, and Murphy — to some in the organization — is the perfect fit, as a Gold Glove winner and above-average slugger."

Murphy has had a solid season, with 12 HR and 41 RBIs, but it's his work behind the plate that adds so much to his value. 

The Guardians are just one of several teams in the mix for Murphy, but it's not yet known if the A's will pull the trigger by Tuesday's deadline, or wait until the offseason.

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