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Marlins Add Marcus Thames, Al Pedrique To Coaching Staff

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2:12pm: The Marlins have formally announced the hiring of Thames as their new hitting coach and Pedrique as third base/infield coach. Duncan will assume the role of quality assurance coach.

Additionally, the Marlins have promoted minor league hitting coordinator Edwar Gonzalez to the Major League staff. He’ll serve as the assistant hitting coach to Thames. Gonzalez, like Thames and Pedrique, has a lengthy history in the Yankees organization, where he spent nine seasons — including three as a minor league hitting coach.

1:44pm: Eric Duncan, who’s spent the past two seasons as the Marlins’ hitting coach, will remain on the 2022 staff, Mish tweets. It’s not clear yet what role he’ll be in, though it’s become increasingly popular for teams to employ co-hitting coaches.

1:37pm: The Marlins are set to announce the hiring of Marcus Thames as their new hitting coach, Craig Mish of SportsGrid and the Miami Herald reports (via Twitter). Meanwhile, Daniel Alvarez of El Extra Base adds that Triple-A Jacksonville manager Al Pedrique will join the Marlins’ big league staff as their new third base and infield coach.

Thames, 44, is a former big league outfielder who spent the 2018-21 seasons as the Yankees’ hitting coach. He’d spent the 2014-17 seasons serving as a hitting coach in the Yankees’ minor league ranks as well, but the team informed at season’s end that he would not return fifth year.

Even beyond CEO Derek Jeter, the Marlins have plenty of ties to the Yankees organization, so it’s not necessarily a shock to see Thames land on his feet in South Florida. Marlins vice president of player development and scouting Gary Denbo, a key executive in their baseball ops hierarchy, was hired out of the Yankees organization by Jeter’s incoming ownership group after several years in a similar role in the Bronx. Miami also hired assistant GM Dan Greenlee away from the Yankees not long after adding Denbo.

The 61-year-old Pedrique is a baseball lifer who spent parts of the 1987-89 seasons in the Majors as an infielder and has now spent two decades as a coach and manager in the minor leagues and big leagues alike. Pedrique had a brief stint as the D-backs’ manager in 2004 and has also spent time on the Major League staffs with the Astros and A’s. Pedrique has ties to the Yankees organization himself, as he managed at four different minor league levels in their system during a period that overlapped with Denbo’s Yankees tenure.

Marlins Acquire Louis Head From Rays

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The Marlins have acquired right-hander Louis Head from the Rays in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.  Miami has designated outfielder Brian Miller for assignment in a corresponding move to create roster space.

Head made his MLB debut in 2021 and impressed in terms of bottom-line numbers, posting a 2.31 ERA over 35 innings out of Tampa’s bullpen (with two “starts” but as an opener).  Advanced metrics like a 4.03 SIERA and 23.9% strikeout rate weren’t as impressive and Head did benefit from a .216 BABIP, but he also did a very good job of limiting hard contact.

Perhaps moreso than his solid numbers, Head might be the poster child for the Rays’ penchant for shuttling pitchers back and forth from Triple-A.  Head was called up and sent down a whopping 12 times last season, as the Rays constantly looked to move fresh arms in and out of their bullpen.

Head turns 32 in April, and was originally an 18th-round draft pick for Cleveland in 2012.  After eight seasons in the minors with the Guardians and Dodgers, Head was on the verge of leaving baseball entirely before catching on with the Rays this past offseason.  He’ll now go to Miami with presumably a better chance of sticking in the majors for a slightly more extended period of time, adding another live arm to a Marlins bullpen that was quietly pretty solid in 2021.

From the Rays’ perspective, they have the relief depth on paper to account for Head’s departure, and Tampa now also opens up another 40-man roster spot before Friday’s deadline to set rosters in advance of the Rule 5 draft.  The Rays made another roster clearance-type of deal yesterday, sending utility infielder Mike Brosseau to the Brewers.

Miller also made his Major League debut this past season, receiving 11 plate appearances over five games.  Miller was selected 36th overall in the 2017 draft, but a modest .284/.338/.360 slash line over 1759 PA in the Marlins’ system kept him from truly establishing himself as a part of the team’s future.  Miller does boast plenty of speed, which has led to 119 stolen bases out of 155 chances and the defensive versatility to handle any of the three outfield positions.

Marlins Make Offer To Starling Marte

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The Marlins were known to be interested in reuniting with Starling Marte, and The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson (Twitter link) reports that the Fish have already stepped up with an offer for the free agent outfielder.  Since Marte is still gathering interest from many teams, “no decision [is] imminent” on either the Marlins’ offer or whatever might be floated by another club.  The 33-year-old Marte has plenty of leverage to work with as the top everyday center fielder of this year’s free agent class, though the Marlins’ early offer does indicate their laser focus on ways to upgrade their lineup.

The Marlins were known to be interested in reuniting with Starling Marte, and The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson (Twitter link) reports that the Fish have already stepped up with an offer for the free agent outfielder.  Since Marte is still gathering interest from many teams, “no decision [is] imminent” on either the Marlins’ offer or whatever might be floated by another club.  The 33-year-old Marte has plenty of leverage to work with as the top everyday center fielder of this year’s free agent class, though the Marlins’ early offer does indicate their laser focus on ways to upgrade their lineup.

It could be interesting to observe if the Marlins could be similarly aggressive in approaching other free agents with offers — should such an offer be floated towards a player with fewer options than Marte, Miami might be able to strike a quick deal.  In Marte’s case, however, the Marlins now have to contend with such known suitors as the Yankees, Phillies, and Mets, plus any other clubs that might yet emerge.  The Astros could be another team in the mix, as MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports (via Twitter) that Houston met with Marte’s agents.

Marlins Interested In Starling Marte

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Miami’s early interest is eyebrow-raising, since he and the Marlins couldn’t agree to terms during midseason extension negotiations this summer. Reports suggested the Fish balked at offering a fourth guaranteed year a few months back, and going to that length again figures to be necessary to land Marte’s services now that he can field offers from all 30 clubs. It’s not as if his stock tanked after the deal, as Marte continued to be an offensive force (.312/.355/.462 with 25 stolen bases in just 56 games) for Oakland down the stretch. MLBTR projects he’ll ultimately land a four-year deal worth $80MM, a figure that would come in quite a bit higher than the money Marte reportedly targeted in original extension talks.

Starling Marte is the clear top option in this winter’s free agent center field class. Unsurprisingly, early interest seems to be robust, as Jon Heyman of the MLB Network reports (Twitter links) that both the Marlins and Mets have expressed interest in the 33-year-old. Those NL East clubs join the Yankees and division-rival Phillies as known entrants in his market. There are no doubt other clubs who have or will express interest in Marte, who’s coming off a stellar .308/.381/.456 showing between Miami and the A’s.

Miami’s early interest is eyebrow-raising, since he and the Marlins couldn’t agree to terms during midseason extension negotiations this summer. Reports suggested the Fish balked at offering a fourth guaranteed year a few months back, and going to that length again figures to be necessary to land Marte’s services now that he can field offers from all 30 clubs. It’s not as if his stock tanked after the deal, as Marte continued to be an offensive force (.312/.355/.462 with 25 stolen bases in just 56 games) for Oakland down the stretch. MLBTR projects he’ll ultimately land a four-year deal worth $80MM, a figure that would come in quite a bit higher than the money Marte reportedly targeted in original extension talks.

Marlins Notes: Avisail, Castellanos, Lopez, Hernandez, Blue Jays

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The Marlins are intent on adding offense, and are exploring both the free agent and trade routes to accomplish this goal.  On the open market, the Marlins have shown interest in Avisail Garcia (as per The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson) and they have spoken with agent Scott Boras, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.  Boras represents any number of top hitters in this year’s free agent market, though Heyman observes that outfielder Nick Castellanos is from Miami, even if it’s “hard to see [the Marlins] affording him.”

Using MLBTR’s Top 50 Free Agents list as reference, we have Castellanos pegged for a five-year, $115MM deal, not to mention the additional draft pick compensation the Marlins would need to surrender since Castellanos has rejected the Reds’ qualifying offer.  Garcia is projected for three years and $36MM, which much more realistic even for a Marlins team that has expressed a willingness to flex a bit more financial muscle this winter.  As it happens, our Garcia estimate is pretty close to the three-year, $30MM extension offer the Marlins floated at Starling Marte last summer, so that could give some hint as to what the team is prepared to spend.

Garcia is less expensive and is a better defender than Castellanos, though Castellanos has a more consistent track record as a hitter.  Garcia does happen to be coming off one of the best seasons of his career, after hitting .262/.330/.490 with a personal-best 29 homers in 515 PA with the Brewers.  While Garcia alone wouldn’t elevate Miami’s lineup, Heyman believes the Marlins could “acquire multiple hitters that cost somewhat less” than one big splashy acquisition like Castellanos.

The opportunity also exists for the Marlins to trade from their pitching surplus, and MLB Network’s Jon Morosi tweets that the Blue Jays are one of the teams who have been in touch with Miami.  Heyman identifies Pablo Lopez and Elieser Hernandez as the Marlins’ “most available arms,” likely in the context of Lopez and Hernandez being the type of big league-ready pitchers that would appeal to a win-now team like Toronto.

Since the Jays have a catching surplus and the Marlins have a need behind the plate, Alejandro Kirk seems like a logical trade possibility, Morosi opines.  Kirk may have the most trade value of any Blue Jays catcher besides star prospect Gabriel Moreno, and Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith writes that Moreno “appears extremely unlikely” to be dealt anywhere.  Toronto could also be a fit for the Marlins’ outfield needs, as Nicholson-Smith notes that the Jays have been getting a lot of interest in their catchers and outfielders at the GM Meetings.

Marlins Considering Trading From Rotation Surplus

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The Marlins have one of the league’s most pitching-heavy rosters, with an established group of young starters and some more well-regarded prospects nearing big league readiness. With the team expected to look for upgrades both behind the plate and in the outfield this winter, the Fish have seemed speculative candidates to make one of their controllable arms available to bolster other areas on the roster.

Miami’s at least debating that possibility, as Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports (on Twitter) the team is considering whether to trade one of their arbitration-eligible hurlers this offseason. Sandy Alcantara, Pablo López and Elieser Hernández are each controllable through 2024 via arbitration, and Morosi suggests the Marlins could be open to moving someone from that group.

Alcantara would seemingly have the greatest appeal on the trade market, but it’s also possible Miami could make him off limits. There’s reportedly been optimism about their chances of working out an extension with the All-Star hurler, who was one of just four pitchers to eclipse 200 innings this past season. Alcantara, who is projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz for a $4.5MM arbitration salary, worked to a stellar 3.19 ERA despite that heavy workload, inducing grounders on over half the balls in play against him.

López has been one of the league’s steadier, more underrated hurlers over the past couple seasons. Going back to the start of 2020, the right-hander has a 3.26 ERA/3.21 FIP across 160 innings. Only projected for a $2.5MM salary, López’s resume should pique the interest of plenty of pitching-needy clubs. But his status could be complicated a rotator cuff strain in his throwing shoulder that cost him essentially the entire second half of 2021. López landed on the shelf in mid-July and didn’t return until the final day of the season, when he tossed 1 2/3 innings in a deliberately brief start.

Hernández is coming off an injury-impacted season of his own. The righty missed two months early in the year with biceps inflammation, then suffered a quad strain in his first start back that cost him another two months. He made eleven starts altogether, posting a 4.18 ERA with quality strikeout and walk numbers but an extremely high home run rate. He’s projected for a $1.4MM salary.

With all three pitchers likely to have bargain salaries in 2022, general manager Kim Ng and her staff needn’t feel any immediate financial pressure to move Alcantara, López or Hernández this winter. But it’s little surprise the Marlins are at least considering that course of action, since trading one of those starters looks to be the most straightforward way to acquire controllable position player talent. Even if Miami moved one of the aforementioned trio, they’d still have Trevor Rogers, Sixto Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo, Edward Cabrera, Braxton Garrett and Zach Thompson among their big league ready rotation options, with top prospect Max Meyer on the doorstep as well after a dominant season in Double-A.

Marlins Outright Magneuris Sierra

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The Marlins have outrighted outfielder Magneuris Sierra, relays Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald (Twitter link). That suggests he’s already cleared waivers. As a player who has spent parts of seven seasons in the minor leagues, the 25-year-old Sierra will have the right to elect minor league free agency in the coming days.

The move could bring an end to Sierra’s four-season tenure in the organization. Originally a Cardinals’ prospect, he was traded to Miami alongside Sandy Alcantara, Zac Gallen and Daniel Castano as part of the December 2017 Marcell Ozuna deal. Sierra, who had briefly debuted with St. Louis the season before, was viewed as a potential everyday center fielder based on the strength of his speed, defense and bat-to-ball skills.

The left-handed hitting Sierra appeared in the majors in each of the past four seasons with Miami but never hit enough to live up to that everyday billing. He has yet to hit a home run in 540 MLB plate appearances, posting a .240/.287/.278 mark altogether. Sierra’s baserunning and defense have been strong as expected, but that lack of productivity at the plate eventually squeezed him out of a crowded if unsettled outfield mix. Miami still has Lewis Brinson, Brian Miller, Bryan De La Cruz and Monte Harrison as center field-capable players on the 40-man roster.

Miguel Rojas Open To Position Change

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  • Speaking of short-term extensions, Miguel Rojas agreed to such a deal with the Marlins earlier this week, and now looks to make it nine seasons in South Beach.  While Rojas is a strong defensive shortstop, however, he noted to The Miami Herald’s Jordan McPherson and other reporters that “I’ll do whatever it takes for this team to be a winner,” even if that means a position change.  “I didn’t sign to be the shortstop or the third baseman or the second baseman,” Rojas said.  “I signed to be part of the team and to be of course a leader in that clubhouse, to help others that come here for the first time to be comfortable and to fit right in to what we’re doing here in Miami.”  The Marlins are hoping that Jazz Chisholm has second base covered for the foreseeable future, though Rojas’ flexibility gives the team a wider berth to consider other infield additions this winter and down the road.

Mel Stottlemyre Jr. To Return As Marlins' Pitching Coach In 2022

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Marlins pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. recently signed a contract extension to return in 2022, reports Craig Mish of the Miami Herald. It’ll be his fourth season in that capacity, as Stottlemyre originally joined Miami over the 2018-19 offseason. The Marlins have brought up plenty of talented young pitchers over the past couple years, with Sandy Alcantara, Pablo López and Trevor Rogers already having proven themselves as quality starting pitchers and plenty more highly-touted arms either at or nearing the major league level. Marlins starters ranked 13th this past season in ERA (4.08) and 15th in SIERA (4.27).

  • Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com recently spoke with attendees and instructors of MLB’s Diversity Pipeline Scout Development Program. Introduced this year and slated to continue annually, the program’s goal is to increase racial and gender diversity in front offices and scouting departments by fostering a pipeline of talent evaluators. The inaugural event was led by former Braves’ and Pirates’ executive Tyrone Brooks, who now serves as MLB’s senior director for front office and field staff for the Diversity Pipeline Program. Featuring instructors from the A’s, Marlins, D-Backs and other teams, the program included daily classroom instruction over the course of a week, as well as Arizona Fall League and amateur scouting experience for its 29 attendees.

Marlins Outright Jorge Guzman, Jeff Brigham

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The Marlins have reinstated right-handers Jorge Guzman and Jeff Brigham from the 60-day injured list and outrighted both pitchers to Triple-A Jacksonville.  Since the 60-day IL placements meant that Guzman and Brigham already weren’t on the 40-man roster, Miami’s 40-man remains at 36 players.

Guzman missed much of the season due to two separate visits to the 60-day IL due to elbow problems, and he appeared in only two games.  The 25-year-old’s MLB career thus far consists only of three games and 2 2/3 innings over the last two seasons, with a garish 27.00 ERA over that very small sample size.

It wasn’t long ago that the hard-throwing Guzman was regarded as one of the Marlins’ better pitching prospects, which is particularly notable given the number of quality arms in the organization.  However, many of those other pitchers are simply now a higher priority considering Guzman has barely pitched in two full seasons.  Beyond his cups of coffee in the majors, Guzman also tossed only 15 1/3 innings at Triple-A in 2021.

Brigham has seen even less action over the last two seasons.  The righty spent all of 2021 on the 60-day injured list due to an unspecified injury, and threw only one inning with the Marlins in 2020, as he was one of many players caught up in the team’s COVID-19 outbreak that summer.

Brigham saw more action with the Marlins in 2018-19, posting a 5.01 ERA over 54 2/3 innings of work.  Originally a fourth-round pick for the Dodgers in the 2014 draft, Brigham has been with Miami since 2015, coming to the Fish as part of the whopping 13-player, three-team swap between the Marlins, Braves, and Dodgers at the 2015 trade deadline.

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