Could the Miami Marlins take a flyer on Brendan Rodgers to fill their infield void?

The Miami Marlins could consider an unusual candidate to fill their void at shortstop. Veteran Brendan Rodgers, who was among the most surprising non-tendered players this offseason, now finds himself without a home. after spending his six-year MLB career with the Colorado Rockies.

The former top-three draft pick (2015) has displayed elite defensive abilities as a second baseman, earning Gold Glove honors in 2022. While the Marlins currently have a surplus of second base eligible players including Xavier Edwards, Connor Norby, and Otto Lopez, the club still has a noticeable need at shortstop.

Could longtime second baseman Brendan Rodgers shift to shortstop?

While Rodgers has never been a primary shortstop, he does have 36 games of MLB experience at the position. His fielding percentage in those games (.971) is slightly lower than his overall percentage (.984).

For context, full-time starters like Elly De La Cruz (.954), Tyler Fitzgerald (.958), Gunnar Henderson (.961), Trae Turner (.962), and CJ Abrams (.968) all logged significant time at shortstop with lower percentages last year.

It's an unorthodox concept. But Rodgers is still squarely in his athletic prime at 28 years old. It isn't crazy to suggest that a former Gold Glove option could bring his excellent glove work to a new position in 2025.

While Rodgers' range and foot speed limitations would be a concern, having a speedy player like Xavier Edwards, who performed admirably at shortstop last season, shift to 2B would alleviate some of that tension.

Lastly, Rodgers would be a cost-effective addition to a team like the Marlins. Some have suggested that a one-year deal in the range of $5 million would be enough to scoop up the veteran. This places a deal with Rodgers in the same low-risk category as the Tim Anderson signing last offseason.

While the Anderson deal crashed and burned, Rodgers has one clear advantage over the longtime White Sox starter: His transferable defensive wizardry. While his bat may be equally inconsistent, Rodgers' Gold Glove-caliber defense will translate to any context.

It would be unwise for the Fish to sign Rodgers as a primary shortstop. Or even as a full-time starter. However, adding the veteran could open a unique path for Peter Bendix and company to find good value in a surprising place.