Marlins still linked to OF Yasiel Puig in latest FA talk

There is still plenty fo discussion about outfielder Yasiel Puig signing with the Miami Marlins this offseason. As of now, no deal has been worked out.

Yasiel Puig is still on the open market and the Miami Marlins still have an opening for him at one of the corner outfield positions. Could this flirtation by the player and the organization finally come to fruition?

Is Puig the Christmas present the ball club needs to add more pop in the middle of their lineup and could the addition mean the front office can turn its attention to the bullpen and potentially a veteran starting pitcher.

We’ve covered this pretty closely the past two weeks. Puig and Miami’s front office talked during the MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego. Nothing was done to get a contract done. In fact, the Marlins talked to other outfielders in California, but none of them were willing to sign on the dotted line yet, either.

The news of Miami’s desire to add more hitters continues to be a theme in South Florida and in baseball circles. Making it happen, however, has become a bit of a question for the organization and those hitters still available in free agency.

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At least one publication, CBS Sports, believes the combination of the sides is a no-brainer.

"“Give the Marlins credit, they’ve made an effort to improve this offseason (Jesus Aguilar, Jonathan Villar), which hasn’t always been the case in recent years,” writes Mike Axisa. “Miami has an opening in the outfield and Puig would reunite with manager Don Mattingly, plus he’s likely looking at a one-year contract to rebuild value.”"

There is still plenty of value in Puig, who solves the team’s issue in right field and moves Brian Anderson back to third base on a permanent basis. Signing him also makes the Marlins lineup more formidable next season.

"“The Marlins are not going to contend in 2020 and Puig, who turned only 29 this month, is exactly the kind of upside play they should make. Aguilar, Puig, and Villar bring some respectability to South Beach,” Axisa adds."

There are other free agents the team could consider. While Axisa believes Dellin Betances is a perfect fit for the New York Mets, I think Miami could take a long look at the former New York Yankees arm as a low-risk, high reward type of player.

"“All indications are Betances is right on track with his Achilles rehab and is looking for a one-year deal to rebuild value after battling injuries in 2019. Betances is a native New Yorker and a return to the Yankees seems unlikely given their payroll situation,” Axisa said."