Nationals trade 3-time All-Star Murphy to Cubs
The Chicago Cubs announced Tuesday that they acquired second baseman Daniel Murphy from the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor-league infielder Andruw Monasterio and a player to be named late or cash.
Murphy, 33, is on the final year of a three-year, $37.5-million contract. After missing the beginning of the 2018 campaign due to a knee injury, the three-time All-Star has played in 56 games, posting a .300/.341/.442 slash line with six homers and one stolen base.
The Murphy deal coincides with another trade the Nationals made on Tuesday, shipping Matt Adams back to the St. Louis Cardinals.
In a press conference announcing both deals, general manager Mike Rizzo stated that the trades afford the team "financial flexibility going into 2019," per the Washington Post's Chelsea Janes.
It's unclear where Murphy will fit into the Cubs' depth chart, as Javier Baez continues to have a career year at second base. With Kris Bryant still on the disabled list, Murphy could slot in at third, where he has played 87 career games.
The Nationals were expected to compete for a third consecutive division title but currently sit one game under .500 and 7 1/2 back of the division-leading Atlanta Braves.