Tom Murphy DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The San Francisco Giants are saying that catcher Tom Murphy (back) is dealing with a mid-back disc herniation. Murphy will receive an epidural injection and be re-evaluated "in the next few weeks." As a result, it looks like Murphy will not be ready to go as the team's backup catcher for Opening Day in late March. Patrick Bailey is San Fran's unquestioned starting catcher entering the 2025 season, but with Murphy injured again, Sam Huff and Max Stassi will be competing for the backup role for the rest of spring training. The 33-year-old Murphy was only able to suit up in 13 games for the Giants in 2024 after signing a two-year deal last offseason due to a knee injury. When healthy, Murphy could have some sneaky power upside as a second catcher in two-catcher formats, but it's now looking like he could miss a significant portion to open the 2025 season.

San Francisco Giants catcher Tom Murphy (oblique) has a mild oblique strain at spring training, according to manager Bob Melvin. The hope is that Murphy can get into a game in seven to 10 days. Murphy underwent an MRI exam recently after the Giants initially reported the 33-year-old veteran backstop was dealing with back spasms over the weekend. It's a setback for Murphy, who played in just 12 games in 2024 with the Giants due to a sprained MCL in his left knee, but he still has plenty of time to get ready for Opening Day in late March. When Murphy is healthy, he'll be the No. 2 catcher in San Fran and split playing time with Patrick Bailey. As long as Bailey remains healthy in 2025, Murphy should be considered a catching option only in two-catcher leagues for his power with the lumber. Murphy has a career .239 batting average and has never hit more than 18 home runs in his nine MLB seasons.

According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Giants catcher Tom Murphy (back) is dealing with back spasms and is set to undergo an MRI. Slusser noted the injury is not expected to be serious, but it is concerning as Murphy was only able to play in 13 games last season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during spring training as he could be in danger of losing the No. 2 role if he continues to miss time. Across his small stint last season, the 33-year-old held a .118/.221/.235 line with one home run. However, during the 2023 campaign, Murphy was quite effective at the plate as he held a .290/.335/.538 line with eight home runs across 47 games. If Murphy were to continue to miss time, Sam Huff could earn the backup job behind Patrick Bailey.

San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin said that catcher Tom Murphy (knee) is a full-go for the start of spring training. Murphy signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Giants last offseason but ended up playing in just 13 games in 2024 after spraining his left MCL in early May. The good news is that the 33-year-old veteran backstop didn't require surgery, which is why he's a full-go this spring. Now that he appears to be fully healthy in 2025, Murphy is expected to be the team's primary backup to starter Patrick Bailey. Bailey struggled against lefties last season, so don't be surprised if Murphy sees regular playing time against southpaws in 2025. At best, Murphy will be an option for fantasy managers in two-catcher leagues because of his power. He has never played in more than 97 games in a season since debuting in 2015 with the Colorado Rockies, but he did slug 18 homers in 75 games in 2019 with the Mariners.

According to Andrew Baggarly and Grant Brisbee of The Athletic, San Francisco Giants catcher Tom Murphy is not guaranteed to open the season as the backup catcher. While Baggarly and Brisbee noted his contract would suggest he has a firm grasp on that role, the team will instead opt to have an open competition during spring training on who will be Patrick Bailey's backup. Max Stassi and Sam Huff will likely compete alongside Murphy for that position. Last season, Murphy was limited to just 13 contests due to a knee injury. During this small stint, Murphy posted a .117/.211/.235 line. However, during the 2023 season, Murphy posted a strong .290/.335/.538 slash line across 47 contests. He hit 12 doubles and eight home runs. Even if Murphy can bounce back from his injury, he should not be targeted in any formats as he will not see consistent starting opportunities.