NL East Notes: Murphy, Mets, Marlins, Compton, Miller

Before Pat Murphy was promoted from bench coach to Brewers’ manager in November 2023, Murphy was known to be one of the finalists in the Mets’ 2019 managerial search that eventually resulted in the hiring of Carlos Beltran. Then-Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen (who is now Murphy’s agent) preferred Murphy as the hire and made that recommendation to former COO Jeff Wilpon, as Van Wagenen and Murphy told the New York Post’s Joel Sherman. Less than three months after being hired, Beltran resigned in January 2020 as part of the fallout from the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. Murphy said the Mets reached out to him at the time and he was still interested in the managerial job, but the team ended up promoting from within by installing quality control coach Luis Rojas for the role. Van Wagenen said that decision was made with a nod to continuity, as Rojas was already a known quantity and Spring Training was just around the corner. Needless to say, the Brewers are glad that Murphy stayed put, as the club is now three wins away from a World Series title with the skipper at the helm. It is anyone’s guess as to whether or not Murphy would’ve been able to similarly thrive in New York, but Milwaukee’s continued success under Murphy adds some salt to the Mets’ revolving door in the dugout. Counting Beltran, the Mets have had seven different managers within the last decade, and the hope that is interim-turned-permanent manager Andy Green can finally bring some stability. More from around the NL East… If the next round of collective bargaining talks results in a salary floor, the Marlins would suddenly need to start spending, as MLBTR’s Payroll Tracker indicates that Miami has only around $81.8MM on the books for 2027. The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson writes that if the Fish did have to hike payroll to meet a hypothetical floor, the team would make up the gap via contract extensions and by acquiring players with salaries in the range of $10MM-$15MM per year. Signing free agents to mega-contracts still wouldn’t be part of the Marlins’ plan, as according to Jackson, “the front office is philosophically opposed to” such deals. Also from Jackson, Marlins prospect Brandon Compton has been asked to keep working out as a first baseman this offseason. The second-round pick from the 2025 draft has been an outfielder for almost all of his two pro seasons, though he got into six games at first base this past year. MLB Pipeline ranks Compton 13th in Miami’s farm system, with a scouting report that predicted a move to first base due to questions about Compton’s range and throwing arm as a left fielder. While Compton’s defense remains a question mark, his bat seems to be developing nicely — he hit .270/.411/.576 with 36 homers in 566 combined plate appearances over three minor league levels, including 67 PA for Triple-A Jacksonville. It would seem like Compton might make his MLB debut at some point in 2027, and could play a role in the Marlins’ unsettled first base mix. Aidan Miller is also expected to impact the Phillies’ lineup perhaps as early as Opening Day, though the team is probably likelier to take it easy with Miller given how back problems cost him almost all of the 2026 campaign. The infield prospect was able to play in eight late-season games the minors and has since played eight games in the Arizona Fall League, with great results at the plate. MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki notes that Miller has played only third base in the AFL due to logistical reasons, as his late addition to the roster came after the Phillies had already lined up shortstops for the team. Getting Miller back up to full game strength is the top priority, but once he’s ready for the Show, he could step into what is expected to be a third base vacancy in Philadelphia (assuming Alec Bohm isn’t re-signed) or perhaps at shortstop, if Trea Turner can’t improve his glovework. View Comments (4)