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4 Free Agent Signings that will keep the Marlins in the playoff hunt next year

The Marlins can return to October next season, here's a path forward

By Brian Dunleavy |
May 28, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Hunter Renfroe (12) hits a
May 28, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Hunter Renfroe (12) hits a / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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The Miami Marlins made the playoffs for the first time in 20 years and fans are hoping they weren’t just one hit wonders. Fans were excited and the support for the team was booming. Now the Marlins are losing Jorge Soler to free agency and they need a replacement for him to continue the lineup boost. 

The Marlins have more than just a big bat outfield need, they have a few holes that were not filled as we wrote about prior. The shortstop position and the catcher position are both big holes that could easily be improved upon. There is no need for a superstar in either of those positions, although if they could trade for one it would be amazing. The Marlins simply need productive bats in both of those spots that will help continue the lineup and challenge opposing pitchers. 

Think about it this way, if the Marlins get 50% increases in production in both of those spots, you would say wow that’s an amazing improvement. That would be very easy to do as Wendle hit 2 home runs, drove in 20, and hit .212 so 50% is 3 home runs and 30 RBI. If you can do that, which should be simple and the shortstop can hit .250 you are in business but even more so I would suggest most players would sit around 10 home runs and 40 RBI. That’s a huge increase and for not a high cost. Let’s see who is available. 

Free Agent Target #4 Victor Caratini

The Miami Marlins have needed a quality catcher for a while and Caratini is just that. He will bring plenty of experience and the quality behind the dish and would be a huge increase to production. The Marlins could use his hitting for sure as in only 62 games, Caratini hit .259 in 201 at-bats with 7 home runs and 25 RBI. That if he doubles his at bats would put him in a solid position to increase the Marlins production in that position. 

The Marlins also would benefit from his defensive abilities as he will be a huge improvement there also. He has thrown out as high as 33% of runners but he also threw out 27% in 2022. In addition, Caratini has a .993 fielding percentage, so you know he will be solid.  Will Fortes be a solid catcher as a backup, I believe he will compliment Caratini well and the team will be improved. 

Free Agent Target #3 Paul DeJong

Paul DeJong would be a huge add for the Miami Marlins. DeJong had a very sour end to his 2023 season and that means he will likely be cheaper in the offseason, even with a soft shortstop market. DeJong lit things up with St. Louis in the power department smashing 13 home runs and driving in 32. That alone puts him as a better option at short than the Wendle era. He is 7 years into his career and will bring some wisdom as well as one All Star appearance to the roster and will be a great compliment up the middle to Arraez. 

Free Agent Target #2 Eduardo Rodriguez

Yes the Marlins need a starting pitcher. Sandy is out that’s for sure, why not bring in another ace-worthy pitcher to have a year and then potentially have 2 big pitchers in the 2025 season?  If you want to compete in the playoffs it’s a very simple rule, you need great pitching. Rodriguez will provide some veteran leadership and great pitching for the Marlins if they can snag him before the big boys out west try to lure him with money. 

Is he worth a $17 million a year contract, maybe? If you can load it with incentives and pay him a decent base pay then I would offer $20 to be competitive but only if he meets benchmarks. You want him to meet benchmarks so I think a 2-4 year contract would be amazing and leave the Marlins with a great option to lead the rotation that has been struggling with injuries and youth. 

Rodriguez was stellar last season with Detroit and so he will likely be a tough add but he would be worth it. There are lots of things a pitcher can do to help a team win consistently, both in his play and in helping young guys mature. Rodriguez posted a 13-9 record with a 3.30 ERA and the lowest HR9 average of his career at 0.9. He really is a perfect fit and would go well with the rest of the team. 

Free Agent Target #1 Hunter Renfroe

There are lots of different outfielders available in the Market and the Marlins could snag one of many. Lourdes Gurriel would be amazing, as would Whit Merrifield, who I would love to add as a leadoff. Hunter Renfroe is the power hitter that the Marlins need however to support the bats of Chisholm and Bell. 

Renfroe is another player with a big bat potential that can help the Marlins to and through the playoffs. Renfroe was another lackluster finish player who went 5-for-44 with 1 home run to end the year. For the rest of the season he was solid and hit .242 with 19 home runs and 56 RBI. Renfroe has averaged upper 20s for home runs each year and could very well replace Soler’s production at a lower cost. 

In an ideal world the Marlins would sign Whit Merrifield and put him in the leadoff spot. He would give them another bat who could let Jazz or Renfroe DH while he plays the field.  The Marlinss need to boost their offensive production this season and  hopefully that translates to even more wins.

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