3 Free agents still out there for the Marlins to consider and 2 to avoid

There are some good players out there, but the Marlins should avoid some

Mar 12, 2023; Clearwater, Florida, USA;  Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins (17)
Mar 12, 2023; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins (17) | Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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2 to avoid

Brandon Crawford-SS

Brandon Crawford will likely be avoided as the Marlins front office has Gabe Kapler and he saw his struggles last season. I could also see it as a cheap signing and a known quantity for that reason as well so it needs to be avoided. Crawford provides no long term solution at 37 and even though he is a 3 time All-Star he has been in decline the past two years and it would make sense his age is a factor. 

Crawford hit 11 doubles, 7 home runs, drove in 38, and hit .194 last year. Yes that is better than Wendle, but is it really a big improvement? The 2022 season he struggled as well hitting .231 with 15 doubles, 9 home runs, and 52 RBIs. Hopefully his All-Star status doesn’t attract the Marlins and distract from his recent decline. 

Evan Longoria-3B

Evan Longoria is another name in the same boat as Crawford. Longoria is 38 and rounding out his career and has been in decline as well. He is not a long term solution for that reason alone. Last season Longoria hit .223 with 9 doubles, 11 home runs, and 28 RBIs. In 2022 he had similar numbers hitting .244 with 13 doubles, 14 home runs, and 42 RBIs. Those are not the numbers the Marlins need at DH and there are better options out there.

The concern again with Longoria is the familiarity with Bendix and the Rays and Kapler and the Giants. It is worrisome in that regard but hopefully they will see beyond that fact. Could either be a Yuli Gurriel story this year and help be the veteran leadership for the team? Yes but both are contemplating retirement so it might not be an option as they might retire if hey don't get a good winning team offer, and the Marlins are that but can they put enough together for a World Series run, that remains to be seen.

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