Apparently the carpet was pulled from Daniel Murphy's feet when the Mets replaced him.

According to the New York Post's Mike Puma, Murphy this offseason believed he would get a multi-year offer from the Mets despite the team's aggressive pursuit of Ben Zobrist, who ultimately ended up in Kansas City.

The chances that would happen ended, however, when the Mets completed a deal with the Pirates for Neil Walker, who will take over second base duties.

Forced to switch gears, Murphy might have a tough time finding the ideal home. He rejected the Mets' $15.8-million qualifying offer, which means the team that signs him -- if it doesn't have a protected pick -- will have to surrender its highest draft choice.



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Murphy, 30, is considered a sturdy hitter but a liability on defense. He may best fit with an American League club.

Murphy hit .281 with a career-high 14 homers and 73 RBI last season. He'll live in Mets lore, however, for his postseason. After hitting six homers in as many consecutive playoff games, his fielding gaffe in Game 4 of the World Series helped buoy the Royals to a world championship.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ.