Will the Marlins be agressive in free agency in 2019?

After a year of making changes to the team’s payroll to the 40-man roster, will the Miami Marlins become players in free agency this offseason?

Can the Miami Marlins make an impact on the free agent market this offseason? After a year of cutting costs and trying to repair the financial struggles of the franchise, will the front office take a leap of faith that will make the team better instantly in 2019?

Fans asked MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro if this is possible in his most recent “Inbox” feature. The organization is in a better position to make moves and could add more pieces its future puzzle.

"“I anticipate the payroll will be about $100 million, and $46 million is locked up in three players: Martin Prado, Wei-Yin Chen and Starlin Castro,” Frisaro writes. “About $24 million is tied to six arbitration-eligible players, but not all six may end up with the club next season.”"

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The Marlins eliminated more than $50 million from its payroll for 2018 while trading away several core players to change the culture of the team. In doing so, the team took a nosedive and lost 98 games this past season. There are changes on the horizon and they appear to be for the better.

There has been some talk the Marlins roster will once again look different from last season where catcher J.T. Realmuto has already stated he does not want to be part of the team’s plans for the upcoming year. Pitcher Dan Straily and infielders Derek Dietrich and Castro could all be traded before Spring Training. Both Dietrich and Straily are eligible for arbitration and may not be tendered an offer from the team.

The focus now is on adding depth to the lineup, finding a power hitter and possibly a first baseman in the offseason.

Frisaro offers other options as well.

"“The Marlins will look at first-base options like Logan Morrison, Lucas Duda, Matt Adams or Mark Reynolds,” Frisaro adds. “They also will target at least one starting pitcher to help ease the innings for their young pitchers. Someone like Jeremy Hellickson fits the mold. And the Marlins will look to close out games, so a veteran who has closed before or is a potential candidate to do so will be a priority.”"

There have been rumors, although unfounded, that the team could look to make a huge splash and go after infielder Manny Machado. The south Florida native would certainly add to the changes so far this offseason. Miami added both Victor Victor Mesa and his brother Victor Mesa, Jr. last week to add depth to the outfield.

After a year of making changes to the team’s payroll to the 40-man roster, will the Miami Marlins become players in free agency this offseason?

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