Christian Yelich Prefers to remain in Left Field

Christian Yelich is coming off a superb first full major-league season and the Miami Marlins seem more then pleased with the kind of player they expect him to be. His excellent season even had the Marlins considering moving Yelich to first base to take over the declining Garrett Jones, which was a pretty bad idea.

A move from left field to first would not only diminish Yelich’s offensive production, but it would also waste his athleticism at a position that does not require it as much as left field does.

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Luckily for us, Yelich seems to realize that as well and is said to prefer to remain in left field, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

"Though the Marlins would consider signing a free agent left fielder and moving Christian Yelich to first as a last resort, Yelich said he wants to remain in left. The Marlins’ preference is to sign a first baseman who could replace Garrett Jones."

In his first full-season in the majors, Yelich posted a .284/..362/.402 slash line with a .341 wOBA and a 4.3 WAR. He also walked at an impressive rate at almost 11%.

The Marlins had arguably the best young outfield in baseball this past season. Unless the Marlins cannot sign Giancarlo Stanton to a long-term extension, there is no need for the Marlins to make any changes to the outfield. In fact, the Marlins core for the next several years should be started from Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, and Marcell Ozuna.