Marlins designate Derek Dietrich for assignment

The Miami Marlins have announced they have designated veteran Derek Dietrich for assignment.

After a flurry of roster additions on Tuesday, the Miami Marlins announced they has designated veteran Derek Dietrich for assignment. The move, coupled with the additions to the team’s 40-man roster means the team’s most tenured player will not be in a Marlins uniform this season.

Per Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, “Dietrich, 29, has been with the Marlins since 2013, playing numerous positions. In 2018, he opened the season primarily in left field. Over 149 games, he had a slash line of .265/.330/.421 with 16 home runs and 45 RBIs.”

The issue with Dietrich wasn’t about his ability at the plate, rather there was no true place for him in the lineup. He could have been in the mix for the open first base job during Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida, but the team hopes Peter O’Brien secures the spot. There is a belief the team will also bring in a veteran in free agency to compete for a roster spot.

Dietrich had also be the subject of trade rumors prior to the MLB deadline in July. He was eligible for arbitration but the team decided not to tender him an offer for the upcoming season. This past season, he made $2.9 million.

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As Frisaro explained, “When a player’s contract is designated for assignment — often abbreviated “DFA” — that player is immediately removed from his club’s 40-man roster, and 25-man roster if he was on that as well. Within seven days of the transaction (it was previously 10 days), the player must either be traded, released or placed on irrevocable outright waivers.”

The move also falls in line with what the Marlins front office wants to do by getting more athletic in the outfield and add speed on the base pads. While Dietrich was known for getting clutch hits, he was also known for getting hit by pitches.

The Marlins had seven players eligible for arbitration this offseason, including Dietrich. Kyle Barraclough was traded to Washington. J.T. Realmuto does not want to return to the team next season. Dan Straily may be traded as well. Miguel Rojas will compete for the starting shortstop position. Adam Conley is the team’s top long reliever. Jose Urena should win his arbitration cade after a stellar second half of the season.

Earlier on Tuesday, the organization selected the contract of outfielder Monte Harrison, their No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline. Magneuris Sierra is another outfielder on the 40-man roster.