Marlins catcher upgrade options that can make a huge impact

The Miami Marlins still need to upgrade their catcher position this offseason. Former GM Kim Ng failed at upgrading this position this past trade deadline, even though she made it a point of emphasis. There are things to like about the future of this Marlins team and a few more pieces, if selected right, could change the course of the team. Ng was not that good of a free agent picker in her time so the Marlins need to look at some different options this go around. 

As we wrote about before, the Marlins need to part ways with Jacob Stallings and let the younger Nick Fortes stick around. A new GM should easily see that as the thing to do, since Fortes hit .204 with 6 home runs and 26 RBI and Jacob Stallings hit .191 with 3 home runs and 20 RBI. The biggest factor however is that Stallings is 33 and Fortes 26. The free agent catcher market in 2024 is not very stout and so the Marlins will have to make a good examination of available players.

Since that might be the likely course, the Marlins need a veteran catcher behind the dish to guide the development of Fortes but also help lead the pitching staff. Defensive skill upgrades would also be welcome in the Marlins lineup as opposing teams stole bases with ease this past season. If the catcher they can get is a big time defender but not a big bat, it would still be a huge upgrade. Marlins fans will take either as one of those upgrades will be more than they have this season which is a subpar hitting catcher with subpar fielding. So let’s take a look at who could fill that role.