Miami Marlins: 5 potential 4th outfielder candidates

Sep 19, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Mets left fielder Eric Young Jr. (22) hits a RBI single against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Mets won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Young Jr.

To say the New York Mets and Terry Collins were a little over-enamored in Eric Young Jr. may be a bit of an understatement. While he certainly provided the team with some much needed speed (68 stolen bases over the last two seasons), he lack of thump (.080 career ISO) didn’t do them any favors. Now a free agent, Young has a chance to land with a team that could better cast him in a role that fits him.

A team like the Miami Marlins.

Much like the aforementioned Emilio Bonifacio, Young is a bit of a Jack of all Trades, capable of playing around the outfield and usable at second base in a pinch. However, it’s the speed that is really going to mean a lot to this team. Sure, the addition of Dee Gordon makes a big difference to Miami, but who would you rather have running the bases in a late game situation, Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Eric Young? I think I’d take the man with the career BsR of 21.2 thank you very much.

Outside of that, Young is a switch hitter, although he’s much better right-handed (.261/.317/.337) as opposed to lefty (.248/.321/.330). That gives him some additional flexibility as a pinch hitter if needed.

But did I mention the speed?