Marlins’ Potential Free Agent Reliever Targets

With the offseason under way, the Miami Marlins should consider adding a reliever or two to the bullpen.

Marlins relievers blew 22-of-49 save opportunities last season, and players not named Sergio Romo registered just 10 saves.

The bullpen is a point of concern for the 2020 Marlins, so here’s a look at three potential free agent relievers Miami should look to add.

Reliever: Dellin Betances

Dellin Betances is a four-time All-Star who suffered through an injury-plagued 2019. The 31-year-old reliever towers on the mound at 6-foot-8 and he is a potential closer with a shutdown arm. Betances boasts a career 2.36 ERA and 1.043 WHIP in 381.2 innings pitched with 621 strikeouts.

Betances’ four-seam fastball averages 97.7 MPH. He also sports a slider and curveball. He can have command issues at times, and walks have been an issue, but his K-per-9-innings rate is 14.6.

The Marlins front office should be familiar with Betances considering he’s been part of the Yankees’ system his entire career. He made $7.25 million in 2019 and could be signed to a reasonable deal considering his injury history.

Reliever: Daniel Hudson

Daniel Hudson helped settle the Washington Nationals bullpen en route to the 2019 World Series. He bounced around the league before landing in Washington. Hudson posted a 1.44 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in 24 appearances with the Nationals.

Despite two Tommy John surgeries during his career, Hudson became an integral part of the Washington bullpen in the 2019 post-season. In his five post-season appearances, he surrendered just four hits and two walks while striking out five.

At 32-years-old, Hudson’s fastball velocity averages out at 96.1 MPH. He also sports a slider. He could be a major upgrade to the backend of the Marlins’ bullpen if the team goes in this direction.

Reliever: Will Harris

Will Harris has been a staple of the Houston Astros bullpen for years, but he’s never had a shot to be their closer. Perennially the set-up man in Houston, Harris has a 2.36 ERA and 0.99 WHIP since 2015. His K-per-nine-innings rate is 9.5 and he has 103 holds in 309 appearances.

In 2019, Harris was lights out for the Astros. He posted a 1.50 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 26 holds in 68 appearances out of the ‘pen.

The 35-year-old primary relies on two pitches, a cutter which averages 91 MPH and a curveball which averages 81 MPH with a ton of movement. If Harris is interested in being a closer, he’ll need to leave Houston, and the Marlins should welcome him with open arms.

At the Marlins’ Thanksgiving event, CEO Derek Jeter said in an interview that the team will “go get” any player they identify that they really like. That should definitely include relievers.

Some other reliever options include former Marlins Sergio Romo, who finished the year with the Minnesota Twins, and Steve Cishek, who was with the Chicago Cubs.