Steve Cishek wants to Remain with Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins biggest mistake prior to the 2012 season was signing Heath Bell to a 3-year contract, despite already having a decent closer candidate in Steve Cishek at the time. Bell ended up turning into a flop both on and off the field and the team ditched him as soon as the season ended.

Since that season, Steve Cishek has been penciled in as the Marlins closer. Over the past two seasons, Cishek has posted a 2.73 ERA, a 2.35 FIP, and a 3.4 fWAR in 135 innings for the Marlins. He’s compiled 73 saves, struck out 28.4% of the hitters he’s faced and walked just 7.7 in that span.

Cishek in every sense has been among the elite closers for the past two seasons and the Marlins franchise has to happy with the production he’s provided.

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Earlier this off-season, we heard that Steve Cishek and his camp were interested in a multi-year deal with the Marlins. Unfortunately, the team didn’t reciprocate the same interest, instead signing him to a 1-year deal worth $6.65 million, avoiding arbitration.

Cishek elaborated to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe on why he wants to be with the Marlins for the foreseeable future.

"“I’m thrilled,” Cishek said. “I don’t want to go anywhere. This is the organization that drafted me. I came up with a lot of the guys who are on the team and I feel like I want to get to the next level with them. I think it means a lot more to have gone through the hard times and then reap the benefits. I think we have a good team and those of us who came up through the system would really like to see this through.”"

Cishek was the Marlins fifth round pick in the 2007 draft out of Carson–Newman University. That same draft that landed the Marlins the $325 million man, Giancarlo Stanton. The extension talks between Stanton and the Marlins were watched closely by Cishek and other Marlins players.

"“But I don’t think anyone expected a deal for more than $300 million, but that shows everyone the commitment they have made to make this a top team,” he said. “And then we added more players. We lost Casey McGehee and Garrett Jones, but we added some excellent players and pitchers. We really felt we had turned the corner last season, but we’ve added to our team. We’re all excited about what’s to come.”"

Cishek, like other Marlins players, definitely had to take notice to see a franchise known for their stingy ways reward their top player with such an extravagant extension. Then on top of that, the franchise went out and added players to attempt to make this a legitimate contender for the upcoming season.

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While extending Cishek could make sense for the ballclub in a way, recently our Travis Honecutt made the argument that the time might be right for the Marlins to trade Steve Cishek, and capitalize on a top return for the closer.

With a now barren minor league system, Cishek could be the key for the Marlins landing an upgrade for either their major league team or to restock the farm system.

Steve Cishek is an intriguing player. He’s come from nowhere to become one of the best closers in all of baseball the past few seasons. He’s now nearing free agency and the Marlins will have to make a decision on his future very soon.

Cishek will be hoping for the decision that keeps him with the franchise that took a chance on him and drafted him back in 2007.

Next: Which Marlins Player Rejected an Extension for the team?

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