JR Murphy Signs One Year Deal for $502K For 2014

The Yankees have signed JR Murphy to a one year deal for the 2014 season with the Yankees worth $502,700. The league minimum for 2014 is $500,000 but this deal is probably a split contract which would pay him less for his time in the minors, where he is presumed to start the season. Murphy still has six years left of team control and his arbitration before becoming a free agent so I am kind of perplexed as to why they made this deal now, especially with Austin Romine ahead of him on the depth chart, but it works.