At one point in 2023, the New York Mets had reliever Penn Murfee on their roster. Could the former Met make a return this offseason?
Because Murfee was non-tendered by the Atlanta Braves at the deadline, Murfee is a free-agent again. Per MLB Trade Rumors, he is one of five non-tendered relievers to watch during free agency.
Murfee’ stint with the Mets wasn’t long. The Mets claimed him off waivers from the Seattle Mariners on Oct. 31 and then waived him shortly thereafter. Atlanta claimed him on Nov. 14 and then non-tendered him, allowing him to hit free agency.
The curious part is why Murfee is on the market in the first place. Based on his two seasons in Seattle, the Mariners’ decision to waive him at season’s end was likely based on the right elbow inflammation that sidelined him for most of the season.
But, when healthy, Murfee can be a contributor in a bullpen.
With the Mariners from 2022-23 he made 80 total appearances (64 appearances in 2022 and 16 more in 2023). He has a 5-2 record and a 2.70 ERA in 83.1 career innings, with 92 strikeouts and 28 walks with a 0.97 WHIP.
In 2022 he was 4-0 with a 2.99 ERA in 69.1 innings, with 76 strikeouts and 18 walks. Even with the right elbow inflammation in 2023, Murfee went 1-2 with a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings, with 16 strikeouts and 10 walks.
For his career he strikes out nearly 10 hitters per nine innings. His walk rate in 2023 (6.4) was concerning, but in 2022 that rate was 2.3.
Murfee, 30, got to the big leagues the hard way. He was a 33rd round pick of the Mariners in 2018 and worked his way through their system after his collegiate career at Santa Clara.
The Mets would be wise to give Murfee another look, based on his make-up, as long as he’s healthy.
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