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The Red Sox have agreed to a minor-league deal with outfielder David Murphy, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. The deal includes a $2 million base salary if Murphy makes the major-league team, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe.
Murphy, 34, was originally drafted by Boston with the 17th overall pick in the 2003 draft, and appeared in 23 games with the Sox to start his major-league career in 2006 and 2007. Boston traded Murphy in 2007 as part of a package sent to the Rangers in exchange for Eric Gagne, and Murphy has been a strong major-league outfielder for three teams since.
Murphy's fit on this year's version of the Red Sox is a bit questionable, as Boston has Rusney Castillo, Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr. as its projected outfield starters and Chris Young, Brock Holt and Travis Shaw as potential backup options. Murphy could serve as Triple-A depth for the Red Sox, though his performance last season makes it unlikely that he would be willing to go to the minors.
Murphy spent last year with the Indians and Angels, posting a combined .283/.318/.421 line with 10 homers in 132 games. He has been consistent throughout his career, appearing at all three outfield positions and registering a lifetime .274/.333/.432 line in 10 seasons with the Red Sox (2006-07), Rangers (2007-13), Indians (2014-15) and Angels (2015).