Miami Marlins: Examining a potential Kyle Schwarber signing

While the Miami Marlins have made multiple impact additions to their 2022 roster so far, there are still a few additional moves that also need to be made. Among those moves you could argue make sense is to add another impact bat, with a potential option being former Nationals and Red Sox slugger Kyle Schwarber.

Coming off his first-career All-Star appearance, Schwarber slashed a combined .266/.374/.554 with 32 home runs across a combined 113 games with Washington and Boston during the 2021 season.

Only 28-years-old, Schwarber is one of the top bats available at the moment with multiple teams likely interested in the free agent. However, should the Marlins sign Schwarber?

Should the Miami Marlins sign Kyle Schwarber?

There is no-denying that if the Marlins did sign Schwarber, the veteran slugger would have a massive impact in Miami’s everyday lineup from day one. With that thought evident, are there any reason’s for not signing Schwarber however?

When answering that question, it essentially comes down to one question in particular – where will Schwarber play?

A natural catcher in the minor leagues with the Cubs, Schwarber has not seen significant time at the position in the major leagues since 2015 (21 games), and has not even caught in a big league game since 2019 meaning that returning to the position with Miami is unlikely. Despite also seeing limited action at first base in 2021 with Boston, the 28-year-old has however mainly played in left field throughout his MLB career, where he would likely see time with Miami.

If a signing were to happen, Schwarber would likely be cemented as the everyday starter in left field, but would add to what is an already crowded corner outfield that features Avisail Garcia, Jesus Sanchez, and Garrett Cooper. In addition to this, a potential DH option would also potentially become crowded between Schwarber, Jesus Aguilar, and Cooper, with first base likely not an option with Lewin Diaz set.

Potentially signing Schwarber to a multi-year deal would give the Miami Marlins an impact bat to build around, but would also add to what is already a crowded corner outfield. If the Marlins did potentially sign Schwarber, does that mean that Miami would trade one of their other outfielders?