How the Miami Marlins can Improve from Within: Position Players

Sep 26, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour (48) singles during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals in game two of a baseball doubleheader at Nationals Park. Miami Marlins defeated Washington Nationals 15-7. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

First Base:

Signed to a two-year contract, with the 2015 season worth $5 million, the Marlins are could decide to trade Jones and move on from the first baseman this off-season. To say he’s had a disappointing season would be an understatement. Garrett Jones ended the season with a 0.2 WAR, which is actually .2 worse than Hech this season. Justin Bour is likely being a better option and even posted a 106 wRC+ in the final month of the season, compared to Jones’ 99 for the season.

Jones got off to a good start to the season, peaking in May, and has gotten worse each month. As was known by everyone but the Marlins before the season, Jones cannot hit lefties. Manager Mike Redmond for some reason did not believe the numbers and gave Jones AB’s against lefties and it was not pretty.

If the Fish part ways with Jones, they could go with Bour as their left handed bat for the first base platoon. Bour has immense power and his defense, granted in a short stint, seemed to be better than what Jones provided at the position in his time.

For the other side of the platoon, the Marlins have several options. The two best options for the Marlins would be using Jeff Baker or minor league prospect Kyle Jensen.

The Marlins have passed over Jensen several times, so that’s hard to see as a realistic option at this point, though his power would be a treat for the Marlins lineup.

Sticking with the same platoon as this season would not be a bad option for the Marlins, that’s in this scenario where we only use players currently in the Marlins system. Baker owns a .350 wOBA against left handed pitchers, but would need to hit for more power.