1:52pm: The two sides are close on a $7.5MM deal that would pay Jones $2.5MM in 2014 and $5MM in 2015, per Juan C. Rodriguez of the Miami Sun-Sentinel (on Twitter).
12:46pm: The Marlins are closing in on a deal with free agent first baseman Garrett Jones, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter link). Jones' contract could be a two-year deal, he adds.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported earlier today that the Marlins have had "serious discussions" with Jones and could be looking at him as a short-term first baseman, as they plan to shop Logan Morrison at next week's Winter Meetings.
Jones, 32, was designated for assignment by the Pirates before being officially non-tendered on December 2nd. The veteran owns a career .254/.316/.458 slash line across six big league seasons. The first baseman/outfielder had a down year in 2013, however, hitting .233/.289/.419 in 440 plate appearances. Jones was due $5.3MM in arbitration this winter, according to MLBTR's Matt Swartz, making him a non-tender candidate.
Jones is best suited to be a platoon first baseman, as his career .193/.234/.334 line versus lefties shows a glaring weakness against same-handed pitching. His numbers against right-handed pitching — .271/.337/.489 — are a marked improvement.
