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Marlins: Plenty of free agent speculation heading into 2020

By David Levin

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 04: A baseball sits in the dugout during the New York Mets and Washington Nationals game at Nationals Park on September 04, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 04: A baseball sits in the dugout during the New York Mets and Washington Nationals game at Nationals Park on September 04, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The 2019 MLB season has not officially ended, but the Miami Marlins are already fielding rumors about who might be part of the 2020 roster.

Let the rumors begin for the Miami Marlins.

As the playoffs continue to push towards the World Series and news in South Florida revolves around who may or may not be part of the team’s 25-man roster in 2019, the talk of which free agents might be on the team’s holiday wish list continues.

Since the Marlins look to once again shave money off its payroll this season but remain active to an extent in free agency this winter, which players are truly on the front office radar is as much of a guess a playing the lottery right now.

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The Marlins will be in the market for power hitters, outfielders, a first baseman, relief help, a closer and potentially a starting pitcher. Let me allow you all to catch your breath for a moment. This franchise is still a work in progress where you could see many changes even with the development of rising stars and the addition of low-cost free agents.

It still might a year or two before this organization spends on big-name talent. And again, Derek Jeter and Michael Hill are preaching patience with the fan base. I’m curious to see how that’s going to go over this coming season.

There are a few names out there, according to sources including MLB.com, fans should keep an eye on when free agency officially opens.

"“Some may be surprised to know that last offseason the Marlins made a strong push to sign infielder DJ LeMahieu, who eventually went to the Yankees on a two-year, $24 million deal, and was an All-Star,” writes Joe Frisaro.“Where the Marlins are in their building process, you can rule out being in the mix for Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rendon, and Stephen Strasburg. The top of the free-agent class is not where the Marlins will be shopping.”"

I would be shocked to see the Marlins pony up money for Cole or Strasburg. Rendon makes sense if the money is right. I also think, as stated in a story this week, the Marlins jump back into the pool to bring back outfielder Marcell Ozuna.

There will be a few surprises, but not enough to make Miami a contender once Opening Day begins next season. And Frisaro agrees on my assessment of Ozuna since he came up through the organization and provides a true power bat in the middle of the order. Nicholas Castellanos is a name we have written about many times already who could be on the team’s shortlist.

One name Frisaro thinks will be a topic of discussion is Didi Gregorious, who could be expendable on the New York Yankees roster.

"“Some will speculate about Didi Gregorius because he will be 30 years old next season, is coming off a down year and may have a limited market. Plus, the Yankees have LeMahieu as a candidate to play second and Gleyber Torres has shown he can play shortstop,” Frisaro wrote.“If Gregorius is made a qualifying offer, which means the Yankees would get Draft pick compensation if the shortstop signs elsewhere, the Marlins should be hesitant to part with a high 2020 Draft pick.”"

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