Felix Hernandez should be a Marlins free agency target

The Miami Marlins could add another veteran arm to the starting rotation. The front office should take a long hard look at Seattle’s Felix Hernandez.

The Miami Marlins may look to release or decide to move on from veteran players to make room for future potential this off-season. But after seeing a story by Connor Byrne on mlbtraderumors.com, I think it’s possible the front office may want to add another veteran to their starting rotation this offseason.

Would Derek Jeter and his staff consider bringing Felix Hernandez on board and sign him to a minor-league deal with the belief he makes the team and the rotation?

"“Even though Hernandez’s phenomenal tenure as a Mariner may have just drawn to a close, the right-hander hopes his career hasn’t,” Byrne wrote. “Hernandez told Greg Johns of MLB.com and other reporters after the game that his goal is to pitch in 2020.”"

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Hernandez was forthright in his desire to play yet another season in the Majors next season, whether it is in Seattle – which as but unlikely – or with another franchise that can use his services.

"“We’ll see if I can find a job. I’m not retiring,” the 33-year-old said following the game."

It’s the kind of move that makes plenty of sense given he may not cost the Marlins much in the way of salary, but he could become a valuable asset that is worth more than what the team will have to spend.

Hernandez walked off the mound Thursday night to a screaming crowd in Seattle, which was presumed to be his final appearance in a Mariners jersey. Hernandez has been everything that a true teammate should be in the Majors. The only thing missing from his resume is a playoff appearance, much like any player who has worn a Marlins uniform the past 16 seasons.

While Miami has done a good job of securing the services of younger pitchers, there have been inconsistencies on the mound and they’re growth may mean the team is still a year or two from contending for a playoff berth.

And it’s 33 years old, it’s not like Hernandez is a washed-up veteran trying to hang on to a Major League career. There still should be something left in the tank, which should prove valuable to the Marlins organization.

"“For the extreme majority of his career, it would have been ludicrous to wonder if Hernandez was capable of landing a job in the majors,” Byrne adds. “Unfortunately, though, that’s no longer the case for the longtime ace, six-time All-Star, and one-time AL Cy Young winner.”"

Enter the Marlins into the discussion.

Fernandez through 5 1/3 innings of three-run the ball on Thursday night against the Oakland Athletics before making his exit. It was an emotional moment as the starter has meant everything to this organization, quite the same way Ichiro Suzuki became a corner stone in the history of the franchise an icon In the city.

The Marlins have plenty of arms to choose from for the 2020 rotation with Sandy Alcantara and Caleb Smith leading the charge, Injuries have played a part in how the coaching staff and front office have assembled the rotation after the first 65 games of the season. While there have been some positive moments from Pablo Lopez, Jordan Yamamoto, and Elieser Hernandez, the need to bring in a stable veteran is still everpresent.

"“Based on the rough turn Hernandez’s production has taken of late, it appears the pending free agent will be in line for a minor league contract in the offseason (if anyone signs him, that is). But if Thursday proves to be the final time Hernandez takes a major league mound, it’ll count as one of the most memorable sendoffs the game has seen in recent history,” Byrne wrote."