Marlins Could Pursue Center Fielder

The Braves just added a high-profile center fielder, and the Phillies and Nationals have also been connected to the top options available, but those aren’t the only NL East teams exploring the outfield market. The Marlins also need a center fielder and “would love” to acquire Peter Bourjos from the Angels, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). However, a deal for Bourjos remains unlikely, so the club could pursue a free agent such as Nate McLouth.

Justin Ruggiano hit .313/.374/.535 in 320 plate appearances while playing all three outfield positions this past season and he represents one internal center field option for Miami. The 30-year-old responded to Rosenthal’s tweet and explained that the Marlins don’t need to acquire a center fielder. “I got this,” Ruggiano wrote. Giancarlo Stanton and Juan Pierre project as Miami’s corner outfielders. 

If the Mets non-tender Andres Torres as expected tomorrow, they’ll also be in the market for a center fielder. New York will presumably pursue multiple outfielders this offseason, though the Mets are expected to look for bargains instead of spending at the top of the market.