How the Miami Marlins can Improve from Within: Position Players

Sep 26, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Enrique Hernandez (12) hits a grand slam in 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

Third Base:

At third base, the Marlins could look to sign Pablo Sandoval as a free agent this off-season. But we are not looking into that possibility, as the point of this exercise is to find the Marlins a way to succeed on the field next season without making any moves outside of the organization.

The answer for the third base situation for the Marlins could very well come from the Marlins trade deadline deal that saw them send away their perceived third baseman of the future in Colin Moran. Along with Jarred Cosart, the Marlins acquired an interesting young hitter in Enrique Hernandez.

In his time with the Marlins, Hernandez owned just a .175/.267/.425 slash line, his .179 BABIP hurt him dearly in his time in Miami. Moreover, his .305 wOBA flashed his hitting potential. Hernandez hit a grand slam in the Marlins 15-7 blasting of the Washington Nationals on the final Friday of the season.

Hernandez actually owned a .284/.348/.420 slash line in 89 plate appearances with the Houston Astros before the trade. If he can find his hitting stroke in Miami, then Hernandez can very well be a long-term solution in Miami.

Blessed with a special nickname, “Kike”, Hernandez has shown strong defense in center field, second base, as well as third base. If the Marlins were to look for a replacement for Hechavarria at short any time soon, Kike could be an option to replace him there.