MLB Rumors: Miami Marlins pursuing Cardinals David Freese?

Oct 30, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese (23) reacts after striking out against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning of game six of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

For anyone who watched the Marlins last year, it is no secret that the play at third base was sorely lacking. Many people expect the Marlins to look for an upgrade, possibly a temporary one, for this upcoming year. Marlins blogger Joe Frisaro posted today, that the Marlins may be looking at David Freese through a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Freese is an arbitration eligible player coming off of only his second season with more than 100 games played. After a breakout campaign in 2012, which saw him hit 20 home runs and post a slash line of .293/.372/.467, Freese came crashing back to earth this year only hitting 9 home runs and watching his averages drop by as many as 80 points from his slugging percentage.

Nonetheless, Freese is still an able-bodied third baseman, plays good defense and at least provides the promise of a possibility of hitting well, which is more than the Marlins could say about third base last year.

If the Marlins were to make a trade for Freese, I would be puzzled by it. They have made it clear that Colin Moran is the third baseman of the future and probably needs only one more year in the minor leagues before getting called up. Freese could always shift from the hot corner to first base like some do, but I don’t see a lot of value in that either.

I like the fact that Freese comes from a winning organization. If some of that could rub off on the Marlins it would be nice, though I would be wary of making any trade with the Cardinals. St. Louis feels like the person in Monopoly who always comes out better than the other person in any trade that gets made. Either Freese will be too expensive, or something may be wrong.