MLB trade review: Cubs acquire Murphy

            The Chicago Cubs have acquired 2B Dan Murphy from the Washington Nationals in exchange for INF Andruw Monasterio.

            For the Nats, a decline has made them give up on the season. Trading Murphy and Matt Adams shows that. Murphy, a pending free agent, made the all-star team in two of his three season in Washington. Injuries limited him in 2018 from making the team. They get Monasterio, a young infielder in exchange for Murphy.

            Monasterio, 21, has a .263 batting average, three homers, 31 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 436 Plate Appearances for High-A Myrtle Beach.

            For the Cubs, this improves their team. But it doesn\’t make much sense. All-star Javier Baez and Ian Happ already play 2B. Star 3B Kris Bryant is at 3B, but is currently on the DL. Until he returns, Baez probably will play third, with Murphy at 2nd. A rental, this trade will definitely make the Cubs better.

             Murphy, 33, has a .300 batting average, six homers and 29 RBIs in 205 Plate Appearances for the Nats this year. In his MLB career for the Nats and New York Mets, Murphy has a batting average of .299, 116 homers, 628 RBIs and 65 stolen bases in 4999 Plate Appearances