Marlins Free Agency Watch: Several Infielders Still Available

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 10: Yolmer Sanchez #5 of the Chicago White Sox bats against the Kansas City Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field on September 10, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 10: Yolmer Sanchez #5 of the Chicago White Sox bats against the Kansas City Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field on September 10, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 18: Yolmer Sanchez #5 of the Chicago White Sox. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Yolmer Sanchez 2.1 WAR

Yolmer Sanchez is a five-foot-11, 185 lb. second baseman from Maracay, VZ, and a more proven asset at second base than the Marlins currently boast. He’s spent each of his first six major league seasons with the Chicago White Sox, hitting .244/.299/.357 with 31 home runs and 214 RBI.

Sanchez can be counted on to play most games. He’s played in at least 141 contests in each of the last three seasons for Chicago, playing in 155 and leading the American League with 10 triples in 2018. Durability wouldn’t be a concern if the Marlins get this guy on board.

Sanchez is still just 27-years-old, and won’t turn 28 until just around the all-star break. Over the last three seasons, he’s averaged 2.7 WAR. He won his first Gold Glove Award for his work at second for the White Sox in 2019, leading the A.L. with 248 putouts, 416 assists, and 108 double plays turned. This, one season after leading the A.L. with 137 putouts as a third baseman.

Increased modularity is never a thing to sneeze at, and having another asset able to produce at two different premium defensive positions would make six that can do so for the Marlins (correct me if I’m wrong).

I know the baseball illuminati will have my head for saying so, but Sanchez provides a much more viable option at second base than Isan Diaz, Miami’s current pick for 2020 second baseman. Sanchez would pair perfectly with Marlins stalwart Miguel Rojas for an awesome double play combination.

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