Marlin Maniac Roundtable: 2025 Miami Marlins Offseason Expectations

Do you expect the Marlins to sign a free agent bat with the intention of having them be an everyday player at that position? Basically, are they going after a starter or a new platoon partner for someone? Who could it be?

Mike Ferguson: After overachieving with 79 wins and staying alive in the playoff race until the final 72 hours of the regular season, it seems like the front office has to do something to show it is serious about competing – and without selling the farm. Guys like Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker are probably out of the question, but going back to the shortstop position, it would be intriguing to see the Marlins part with one former Toronto Blue Jays infielder in favor another. Bo Bichette is a two-time All-Star with a career OPS over .800. Although his dad spent his best years with the Colorado Rockies and he’s spent his entire professional career in the Blue Jays’ organization, he is a Florida native. Set to be 28 years old by the start of next year, his current contact is a little more than $11 million. While he may want a raise in free agency, Bichette feels like a player Miami can afford.

Ryan Schlesinger: While I believe the Marlins will acquire most new players via the trade market this offseason, I wouldn’t be shocked if they tap into the free agent market to find an everyday first baseman. I don’t envision the Marlins splurging on a first baseman like Pete Alonso, Cody Bellinger (not a full-time 1B), or Josh Naylor, but Paul Goldschmidt coming to the Marlins for his final MLB tenure makes sense. Even at his old age, Goldschmidt proved last season that he can still put up above-average offensive numbers in an everyday role. It might come as a surprise to some people that he had the 4th highest WRC+ against LHP in all of baseball last year, only trailing Cody Bellinger, Cal Raleigh, and Aaron Judge. So at the bare minimum, he’s a reliable platoon option against lefties.

Marlin Maniac: They should, but I don’t see it happening- at least not in free agency. Trading for a young player that could benefit from a change of scenery, such as Tristan Casas or Ryan Mountcastle, is something I could see occurring if the Marlins move a starting pitcher. However, in the wake of Troy Johnston being let go, I think the Marlins just cleared space for Eric Wagaman’s platoon partner. Ryan O’Hearn would be my favorite, with Paul Goldschmidt a close second, of the first base/designated hitter crop of free agents that aren’t good enough to start everyday, but represent an upgrade over what the Marlins did at first base in 2025.

The answer to this next question almost assuredly won't help the Marlins at first base, but...