5:40pm: Joe Frisaro of Man On Second Baseball tweets that Jorge Soler is the “most realistic free agent still possible” for the Marlins, though he also adds that trade talks with several teams are ongoing.
8:04am: The Marlins have been quiet on the free agent front since the lockout lifted. General Manager Kim Ng has expressed a desire to add another bat, particularly one who can play center field, but she’s not prepared to rush to make an addition that might not be the right fit, per MLB.com’s Christina De Nicola.
While the rest of the division has been busy making re-shaping their rosters, the Marlins have settled for backup plans in the form of minor league deals to fill their biggest need. Delino DeShields and Roman Quinn both have extensive experience in center, and if the Marlins aren’t able to find a more permanent solution, either speedster could factor into the Major League roster with a strong spring.
Otherwise, their big pre-lockout free agent signing, Avisail Garcia, will be one of the internal candidates to captain the outfield, along with Bryan De La Cruz, Jesus Sanchez, and utilityman Jon Berti. None are natural options for a full-time gig in center, however.
Monte Harrison, who might otherwise have been an option, was designated for assignment this week. The 26-year-old could still return, but he has yet to establish himself as a viable regular option anyhow. Lewis Brinson and Magneuris Sierra, two of the part-time players at the position in recent years, were released this offseason and now play for the Astros and Angels, respectively.
In the minors, 24-year-old JJ Bleday and 25-year-old Victor Victor Mesa are the most well-known prospect names that could potential play themselves into the mix at some point this season. Neither have appeared higher than Double-A, however.
But the fact is, center field is perhaps the toughest position to field these days. Free agency doesn’t offer much by way of regular options, with veterans like Kevin Pillar, Brett Gardner, Billy Hamilton, Brian Goodwin, Jarrod Dyson, and Juan Lagares making up the bulk of the remaining free agent pool with center field experience.
Thus, if the Marlins are going to find themselves a new center fielder, they’ll probably have to do so through trade routes. Ng can dangle third baseman/outfielder Brian Anderson as a potential trade chip, per Barry Jackson and Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald. The offseason acquisition of Joey Wendle makes Anderson somewhat expendable, though likely only at the cost of filling their need in center.
Anderson should be an intriguing option for a team in need of some offensive pop. Anderson owns a career 111 wRC+ heading into his age-29 season, and he brings experience at third base and right field. Given his position on the defensive hierarchy, however, it’d likely take more than just Anderson to net the Marlins a comparable center fielder.
If the Marlins can’t find that player in the trade market, they could turn to adding another corner outfielder like Jorge Soler or Michael Conforto, notes De Nicola. Either one would fit comfortably into the corner outfield mix while pushing De La Cruz and Garcia into more regular playing time in center. The designated hitter role is also available to the Marlins, though they seem content with letting Jesus Aguilar and Garrett Cooper split time there, as well as at first base.
Tigers could offer Daz Cameron and see what he would bring back. Don’t see Cameron getting consistent enough AB’s to prove himself in Detroit with their crowded OF. Hasn’t done too well in his few stints with the Tigers but has a solid minor league track record with potential to be a contributor.
Marlins can have Randal Grichuk for free probably.
Or Victor Reyes.
I’d move Cameron in a minute for solid pitching prospect.
TOR will gladly send them Grichuk for a young mid-level arm.
The Jays would probably send Grichuk over for a bag of Doritos, Atkins would love to get rid of that contract and clear up a roster spot.
I could see this happening. Jays need a left handed bat!
The Jays could have got either Dickerson or Joc Pederson and didn’t so not sure how hard they are really trying to get one
Probably trying to move 1 of grichuk or gurriel before adding a lefty hitting OF.
Grichuk is the kind of center fielder they already have; someone who you play in CF because you have to make due.
You can have Aaron Hicks
Absolutely
Careful, fellas.
You know that would ensure a Brett Gardner reunion. Who would then become the everyday CF. It would also spoil my hopes of Hicksy playing 100 games for us this year.
@DBF- If Hicksy could play at least 100 games, I think every Yankee fan out they’re would sign up for that that right now. I heard Gardy is checking out some “old folks home” right across the street from Yankee Stadium Should we be concerned? I was really hoping our boy Estevan Florial was finally going to get a chance to play this season. Willson Contreras is still on the Cubs, maybe an offer of Deivi, Andujar and Anthony Seigler nets Contreras.
Have you looked at Florial’s MiL numbers? Not going to translate well.
@stymeedone- Florial has all the talent in the world and is still young. The main problem with him, has been injuries. Florial can also play all 3 outfield positions. He just needs to play.
Florial still has issues making contact.
Whick sucks. Because everything else about him would be a perfect fit for the Yanks.
Miami needs to trade a pitching prospect to get them a CF. Miami has plenty of pitching depth to make a trade. I would stay away from Pillar and company. Jorge Solar would be a nice pickup.
Soler does not play CF though.
Put Soler in LF or RF Cruz or Sanchez can play CF.
If Miami signed Soler he would DH. Marlins have lots of corner Of/DH options. Maybe, just maybe the DH could help keep Garrett Cooper healthy for a full season and the Marlins could actually see what he can do
Cooper plays 1B and RF. As of right now first base is for Aguilar or Lewin Diaz. Right field is a bunch of guys, including Soler now, Asvail, BDLC, and prospects.
Cooper is DH/1B or bust. And that’s a shame. When he’s on he’s good for a run of a 130 OPS+ with ease for weeks and weeks.
I don’t know a lot about the Marlins but would a Grichuk plus a prospect for Jesus Sanchez work? Miami could use Grichuk as a stop gap in centre and the Jays could get a useful LH bat. I think Grichuk plays an important role in Toronto but they are RH heavy and he is the fourth OF as it stand right now. Would also give Miami some veteran leadership.
That’s actually not a bad trade for MIA. They are in need of some veterans and there’s not many teams willing to trade center fielders.
As a Jays fan I would do this in a second. Depending on the prospect of course.
If that prospect is Gabriel Moreno, I’m sure the Marlins would bite.
Right. I’d do this from the Jays side for anyone but Moreno, Groshans or Orelvis Martinez.
I honestly expected to see a Grichuk and Kirk deal to Miami for pitching when the off season started.
Jays have filled their rotation now though and Miami picked up Stallings… so that’s a no go now.
I still can see Grichuk and a prospect for a lesser prospect to the Marlins.
Id prefer Marlins pick up Kevin Pillar than trade for Grichuk.
Conforto is perfect for them. Give him a 1-yr “prove it” contract and spend some money. He can play a little center too.
Perhaps they think a starting center fielder will drop into their laps? Meanwhile, they’ve been lapped by the rest of the NL East.
What a joke of a franchise.
The Whitesox are a joke of a franchise. They have not been good in years besides last year. The Southside are not going to win any championships in the near future. They will start tearing down the team after this year.
How does this reply have any relevance to my post lol
I actually wouldn’t mind the Red Sox taking a shot at a “prove it” contract with Conforto
I cannot stand the White Sox, but tear down after this year? What? They are loaded with young talent. Egad.
And yeah, a bit of a straw man there.
Yes indeed what a Joke. I thought for a moment Castellanos was the guy but yes this regime is as bad as the previous one, Jeter was right, the facts are loud and clear. But on the other hand I will not give up pitching talent for a centerfield because they are not ready to compete with the big boys yet. Mets, Phillies, Braves are way ahead.
lmao, the Marlins ‘can spend a little money’.
Tigers should trade Baddoo for a pitcher. It looks like Greene might take over CF this year. Baddoo’s arm is too weak for RF.
Maybe get something decent for the rule 5 guy?
No, they shouldn’t trade Baddoo. He’s only going to get better. And he’s their LF. He played very few games in CF. Greene will be replacing the patchwork that played CF last year.
He’s right there, between the left and right fielders.
I’m surprised Ramon Laureano wasn’t mentioned in this piece. Seems obvious that the A’s would trade him given their fire sale.
It will be tough to trade him now. I’m guessing he moves closer to the deadline.
I know this isn’t a sexy offer nor will it happen, but Braves could throw out heredia and see what we can get in return. We kinda need him, as we don’t have much bench depth nor a true centerfielder projected as a starter. But… we also sorta need a SP at the backend of the rotation. Idk marlins actually have a pretty solid rotation with some depth (often overlooked). I don’t know if heredia alone could pull one of those guys over, but maybe a small package deal could get one? Idk. Division rivals don’t help
Orioles trade Mullins for Sixto Sanchez…. Do it!
Mullins for Sixto + a new labrum
No thank you, Sixto can’t stay healthy
Chisox can trade you Luis Robert for Lopez, Sanchez, Watson, Bleday, and Mack.
Ha, ha,. In a year or two Watson, Bleday and Mack will be in a World Series caliber championships Marlins team with all pitching talent.. Marlins are not ready to play with the big boys in their division. yet so they need to be patient.
This is next level trolling if I’ve seen it. Lol. Watson too? Hahahahah.
Trade for Reynolds even if it costs all of your top 5 prospects!
No, no. In a year or two Watson, Bleday and Mack will be in a World Series caliber championships Marlins team with all pitching talent.. Marlins are not ready to play with the big boys in their division. yet so they need to be patient.
You can have Jason Heyward and his contract
Jed Hoyer would fly him to Miami personally
Orioles need a 3rd baseman and pitching. Maybe Anderson + a rotation ready pitcher for Austin Hays?
That would be a good trade for both teams.
It absolutely would not be a good for the Marlins. Why would the Marlins trade a “Rotation ready” arm + Anderson for an OF that has power but can’t get on base and who can’t play CF?
We already have tons of those!
Don’t know where you get he can not play CF. It’s his natural position.
1) Hays has played more inning in the corner OF and is rated as a plus OF
2) He’s played less in CF bc he’s rated as a below avg OF’er
Look him in either fangraph or BR
I get what you are saying but I am not sold on Anderson being a player the Marlins can count on. He has talent but he gets injured all the time. Plus I read an article that suggests he might be playing in the OF a lot of the season (LF) on Marlins.com.
I have seen several Orioles games the past few years and Hayes is a decent CF even though the stats aren’t great. He plays all the time at a 100%. That is why he gets hurt a lot. Yes he doesn’t have a strong arm and until Mullins turned it around last year Baltimore was talking about putting him in CF on several articles.
That’s better then the Mullins for Sixto that someone else suggested, but I’d rather see the O’s keep Hays and move Santander by the deadline if he stays healthy
Marlins should have resigned Sterling Marte. He made it known that he wanted to be there. They traded him for prospects with Oakland, but then wouldn’t resign him. No wander Jeter left.
They also should have resigned Sterling’s brother, Starling.
…all kidding aside though, I agree with your post. They also paid the A’s $4M.
Careful with the Jeter comments, don’t want to poke the racist bear, @MarlinsFanBase.
This ownership is worse than the pervious one.. That would have been the perfect fit and add Castellanos, and now you are talking. It is so sad that they are wasting so much talent in the pitching side. Imagine Castellanos, Marte with all that pitching talent. But sadly they have no vision, nor want to win now. Again Jeter was right on the money. Good for him. Marlins need new ownership like the Canosa family, they are local, have plenty of cash and want to win. .
The Marlins said they would give Nick 5/100 but he wants more and that’s too much for them. And I agree. His defense his horrible. In two years he will be average at best.
Where they messed up on Marte was what he wanted before he was traded and then hit FA was like, 2/3 what he got. He wanted like 4/50 or something and we said no. Then offered 4/60 and the Mets said suck it.
Marte is still shaking his head over the lowball extension offer MIA extended to him last year.
Take Kiermaier please !
All male Rays fans are screaming….”please take Kevin Kiermaier”!…..while all female fans are screaming…NO….NO!! Not dreamy eyed Kevin.
Victor Robles for young pitching? The Nats could play Lane Thomas in cf during the rebuild while waiting for Cristhian Vaquero. The Nats need starting pitching and the M’s have good prospects.
The Robles ship has sailed. Actually Robles and Soto were big on the JT Realmuto talks. Thankfully (for the Nats) someone was smart enough to say NO
We can send you Grisham and Hosmer for a pair of outfielders and prospects.
Can’t wait to see how bad the Marlins get fleeced for prospects if they FINALLY make a trade.
Jacob Stallings and Joey Wendle say hello.
Nothing more than bit players. I’m talking about a difference-making trade.
Not sure what “bit players” is supposed to mean but Stalling will be a massive upgrade resulting in making a huge difference not only with the pitching staff but the rest of the Team.
Same goes with Joey Wendle who brings brings stability, and even more, leadership. Ask Rays fans
I would’ve loved Castellanos but the Fish also have a pretty good DH in Cooper at a much cheaper cost. And I’m ok with that.
What the Marlins need to do is trade for Reynolds or a comparable player and pay the price to acquire him. Thats why you build a strong farm system, prospect hugging does nothing for winning.
If Ng doesn’t and believes that either Bleday or Burdick (who both can play CF) are ready to step in then great. Both are immensly promissing prospects. But they haven’t shown that they are ready. Especially Bleday.
Marlins bring in Reynolds and a legit closer and another good BP arm.. Then they have a solid chance at the postseason.
If not, it’ll be another 65-75 win season.
I’m half trolling, as usual. I like Reynolds for them. He’s got all the talent in the world. The Marlins can really take a step forward by mortgaging some of the farm and one of the ML starting pitchers for them. Then after the kids develop another year, they can be ready to make a splash in FA next season.
Jj can not play center. Only has experience there very very recently. Even Burdick is more of a recent CF but he shows possibility. But Bleday was drafted as a RF and was raised a RF till it was too late.
My A’s have Ramon Laureano for you .
Harrison Bader for pitching.
How about Mike Trout? I hear he still wants to play CF for the rest of the contract but the Angels don’t want him to play that position. Because, apparently, running into 3rd base and getting injured is the reason he should no longer play CF.
What happened to the Mesa Brothers? Weren’t they all the rage a few summers ago?
Wasn’t there a Victor Victor and a Victor Victor JR
Victor Jr is the better prospect now. Looking like a potential 4th OF’er, maybe more.
The big prize was his brother Victor Victor who’s great defensively but my 4 yr old can hit better.
You can have Shogo Akiyama for some sun tan lotion and a beef stick!
Half a beef stick and no sun tan lotion and you’ve got a deal
As a Marlins fan, I am tired of this “Marlins are looking for a CF”. It should be the 4th or 5th time this comes up and nothing is happening.
I am not saying it would be easy to get a CF, but looking what the Braves, Mets and Phillies have done this offseason, the Fish haven’t done much.
Even though the pitching staff is good, we still need a couple of relievers, specially a closer, yet nothing has happened. It looks like they are hoping for bounce back seasons from Cooper, Anderson and improvements from Jazz and Jesus Sanchez… ALL at the same time.
There are solid options for getting an impactful CF and the time to make a move is now.
While I would also like to see some action on the trade front, I would see trading for a Grichuk or Laureano as a sign of weakness. We have guys in house with a good chance to match their numbers. Ng needs to either bite the bullet on a trade for Mullins or Reynolds or wait and see how the season develops
I was OK with a platoon DLC/Miller + Quinn + DeShields, but every single team in that division has got much better, even the Nats.
The Fish should really push for a trade now and send a message to both their Fans and the other teams in the NL East.
They need to make a move for Reynolds. I prefer him to Mullins. Something inside me makes me think Mullins may take a step or two backwards. Though that could just be the fish tacos I ate last night.
You’re not gonna get much offensively out of DeShields or Quinn. CLE was in the same situation when they dealt for DeShields a couple years ago. CF was his for the taking, and that experiment ended rather decisively
Ian Happ of the Cubs is about to get bumped from center be their top prospect, Davis.
Also not sure what the Mets’ plans for Khalil Lee are at this point, but if he doesn’t stick with the big club out of spring, he could be available. He’s ready.
Honestly, I’m a big believer in Peyton Burdick and I think he’s the marlins CF of the future. What marlins need to do is get a stopgap option such as Grichuk or Kiermiar. But I wouldn’t trade top prospects for them. If not, bringing in Jorge Soler on a two or three year deal makes a lot of sense, to split DH at bats with Coop and Aguilar, as well as LF at bats with Jesus Sanchez.
Behind Burdick is Bleday, and who knows, maybe a Khalil Watson or Chisholm gets shifted to CF eventually.
HICKS
Marlins can have Drew Waters for one of their lower SP’s for Atlanta’s #5 spot.
There’s got to be a match to be made with the Twins, right?
Comforto. 2/25
Lol. Oh wait, you were serious.
No way Conforto is signing for 2/25.
DeShields already signed.
Best available free agent options for CF are:
Brett Gardner
Albert Almora
Trade them Jackie Bradley Jr.
anyone else see the headline and think it looks like a personal ad?
I dated a girl once who said she was into S&M…I thought she was talking about Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Please marlins take hicks or Gallo off our hands pleeeease ? !
Pls take JBJ (0.163) and salary.
They can have Shogo but that might win then less games and the Reds more.
Does anyone know the team’s opinion of Peyton Burdick?
He’s been playing CF, but I don’t know how he profiles there. His bat definitely plays.
I dunno if I like the Marlins trade of Kameron Misner for Joey Wendle. Wendle won’t even be starting for them half of the time, whereas Misner looks like a potentially underrated CF prospect with 5-tool talent, that could possibly be ready by late 2022. Especially since there is such a gaping hole in CF for the Marlins. I think Kim Ng has done a mostly terrific job so far, but that may end up being one move that she regrets.
If NG has some good, very young prospects to trade, Hays and Mullins are both great Centerfielders.
I like Steven Duggar but I think he could be moved in the right deal, Giants need more arms in the system. I feel like a trade could work here
They still seem to think they can get Bryan Reynolds. Good luck with that.
Hey Minasian,
Trade Adell or Marsh for some of that good young Marlins pitching. The Angels will be set!
If there was ever a team for Gardner to move on to, this is it.