Way Too Early Seattle Mariners 2021 All-Star Predictions

Seattle Mariners All-Star Prediction No. 3: Tom Murphy

The Murph is back (in 2021)! Tom Murphy was an unsung hero in 2019 and people were excited to see what Murphy would produce in 2020. Unfortunately, we did not get to see him play after fracturing his left foot during summer camp.

Murphy is fully healed and on track to play in 2021. I think the 29-year-old catcher has the potential to be an All-Star player this season.

In 2019, Murphy batted .273 and hit 18 home runs in just 75 games. He also posted an impressive 2.7 WAR. Not too shabby.

I don’t want to say it’s easy to make the All-Star team as a catcher, but the competition isn’t the same as other positions like the outfield, where you have to compete against Mike Trout.

The 2019 AL All-Star catchers were Gary Sanchez and James McCann. In 2018, they were Wilson Ramos, Salvador Perez, and Yan Gomes.

Not that impressive of a group right? Now, the 2019 AL All-Star catchers are pretty much out of the conversation. McCann is in the National League now, and Gary Sanchez has lost his offensive ways.

So, the door is wide open for Tom Murphy to make the All-Star team. I am sure Murphy will be highly motivated to perform in 2021 because he missed the entire 2020 season, and he needs to prove his value for the Seattle Mariners’ future.

Or, Murphy might also be attempting to appeal to other general managers who might want his services at the trade deadline, just like Austin Nola.

I am excited to see Tom Murphy back on the field in 2021 and catching Gerrit Cole at Truist Park. Now onto my final prediction.