Miami Marlins: What Joe Panik Brings to the Team Going Forward

Joe Panik, a former All-Star and World Series winner, will help add more depth in the Miami Marlins infield.

The Miami Marlins‘ infield has been hit with injuries throughout the season with perennial starters Jazz Chisholm and Miguel Rojas missing weeks of the season, while third baseman Brian Anderson is still currently on the IL. Because of this, Jon Berti, who has found his rhythm in June after struggling for most of the season, was forced into a bigger role than expected.

Berti is not alone anymore however as Joe Panik can possibly share duties as the primary infield utility player once Anderson gets back into the lineup. Panik, who slashed .246/.293/.351 with Toronto this season, should be looked at as purely a depth move.

Joe Panik will benefit the Miami Marlins in many different areas.

Adding the extra bat to the infield will be Panik’s greatest contribution. As Anderson continues to work on his shoulder injury, this allows Miami to allow Isan Diaz more time to develop in Triple-A. This could benefit Diaz, who struggled in 36 games this season batting .146 with a 29.4% strikeout rate.

Panik will bring veteran experience, as he has played in more than 750 games throughout his career. Panik will also come with great plate discipline having only 14 K’s in 114 AB’s this season. To put those numbers in perspective, the Marlins currently have the 7th most strikeouts in the entire league. Panik will instantly have the lowest strikeout rate on the team at 11.4%, surpassing Rojas’ at 14%.

Panik is an experienced player who can instantly contribute for the Marlins from day one. While the 30-year old infielder may be reduced to more of a bench role to start his tenure in Miami, Panik could potentially be forced into more action depending on how the Marlins roster takes shape over the next month.