Miami Marlins: One Free Agent to Target at Each Position

As we are now officially in the offseason, there are many potential moves that the Miami Marlins could make over the next couple of weeks.

We have already heard and talked about what the Marlins plans will be, and are already starting to see some potential free agent and trade targets starting to emerge, even as recent as Thursday.

While it is likely that Miami adds to a few positions in particular such as catcher and center field, what if the Marlins opt-to add to a few other positions as well?

One Free Agent the Miami Marlins should Target at Each Position

This will take a look at one free agent at each position that the Marlins could target, should Miami decide to add either a starter or depth option to the position. While it is possible that the Marlins could always trade for a different player at the position, this will include only available free agents in this article.

Now yes, you could certainly make an argument that the Marlins do not need to add to a few certain positions due to either the starter already set, or the depth already there. For those positions in-particular, I have decided to go with potential bench options available, each of whom could play many different roles for the Marlins next season.

So, here is one free agent that the Miami Marlins should target this offseason at every position, some of which who would either be starters or bench options for Miami in 2022.

C – Yan Gomes

Arguably the top free agent catcher on the market, Gomes is another potential option alongside a few other trade candidates if the Marlins are looking to acquire a new starting catcher in the offseason. The 34-year-old enjoyed a strong 2021 season in which Gomes slashed a combined .252/.301/.421 with 14 home runs and 52 RBI’s between the Nationals and Athletics. Having posted a .700+ OPS in each of the past five seasons, Gomes is a proven 10-15 home run bat who will drive in around 50-runs, as well as a strong defender who can throw out baserunners.

1B – Brad Miller

While unlikely that the Marlins will look to sign a free agent first baseman with Jesus Aguilar, Lewin Diaz, and Garrett Cooper already on the roster, Miller would be an intriguing option off the bench as a proven veteran bat. While spending a majority of his time with the Phillies last season at first base, the 31-year-old also saw time at other positions such as right and left field, as well as second and third base. Slashing .227/.321/.453 with 20 home runs and 49 RBI’s a year ago, Miller will likely be one of the more sought-after free agent platoon/bench bats this offseason.

2B – Jose Peraza

Similar to first base, the Marlins starter at second base is cemented in Jazz Chisholm, but what about Peraza as a potential bench option? The 27-year-old split time mainly between second and third base last season with the Mets in which Peraza posted a .647 OPS with six home runs across 64 games. Peraza would not start with the Marlins, but could be a versatile option off the bench who has notable experience in his young career at both middle infield spots.

CF – Chris Taylor

The Marlins are certainly looking for a new starting center fielder this offseason, and while Starling Marte could also be an option, one could argue that Taylor is the likeliest to happen of the two. A versatile player who can play almost anywhere defensively, Taylor is coming off his first All-Star appearance in 2021 as the 31-year-old slashed .254/344/.438 with 20 home runs, 73 RBI’s, and 13 stolen bases. Taylor would make a massive impact for the Marlins in 2022 as a player who would not only see a majority of his time in center field, but also occasional starts elsewhere.

RF – Avisail Garcia

While the Marlins have options at the corner outfield spots already on the roster, could Miami still consider signing Garcia? The 30-year-old is coming off a career-year with the Brewers in which Garcia hit a career-high 29 home runs with 86 RBI’s and an .820 OPS across 135 games. While Garcia spent almost all of the 2021 season in right field, the veteran did spend a majority of the 2020 season in center field, and could see time there, as well as a potential DH option.

DH – Jorge Soler

While a few players mentioned previously would be potential options at DH should the position come to the NL this offseason, one of the top potential free agents at the position that the Marlins could pursue is Soler. The 2021 World Series MVP, Soler hit a total of 27 home runs between the Royals and Braves this season while providing some massive moments for Atlanta in the postseason. One of the top power hitters in free agency, Soler would not only be a possible DH candidate with Miami, but could also see time in right field as well.

SP – Rich Hill

You could certainly make the argument that the Marlins don’t need to add to their rotation this offseason, but if they did, what about a veteran option such as Hill? The 41-year-old made a total of 31 starts this past season between the Rays and Mets in which the southpaw posted a combined 3.86 ERA. While the numbers last season weren’t what they had been in previous years, Hill is a low-cost back-end of the rotation option whom the Marlins could also opt-to trade at the deadline when younger starters such as Meyer and others are ready.

RP – Alex Colome

There are multiple potential bullpen options for the Miami Marlins in free agency, but could Colome be an option if Miami is looking to sign a closer? Coming off a down year with the Twins in 2021, the right-hander is due for a bounce-back 2022, and is one of the most-experienced veteran closers available in free agency. Similar to Hill previously, Colome is also a player who would garner attention across the league should the Marlins opt-to trade the veteran.

As mentioned at the start, the Miami Marlins will be looking to add both starters and bench options this offseason. When looking at these free agents, it’s evident that each would make an impact with the Marlins in 2022.