Miami Marlins have a huge roadblock to making a big move before the season

The Miami Marlins are still in the hunt for a starting shortstop and a DH but they have one big roadblock in the way, Avisail Garcia. The Miami Marlins made a huge blunder in signing Garcia and for the specifics of his contract. He is currently in the middle of a 4 year $53 million contract through 2025, with a team option for 2026. The low budget franchise is needing a solution. 

The Marlins payroll is being tanked by Avisail Garcia

The Marlins team salary is higher than opening day last year and that is a likely factor in their decision to not making a big free agent splash. The Garcia contract is all guaranteed money so they are stuck for two more seasons, and with him making $12 million for the next two years they are stuck. 

Looking at his production last season, in 118 plate appearances he had 3 home runs, 12 RBI, and hit .185. In 2022, his first season with the Marlins he hit .224 in 380 plate appearances while driving in 35 and hitting 8 home runs. His OPS has not broken .600 since being with the Marlins. 

The Marlins have missed out on signing several affordable players over the past few weeks. Randal Grichuk signed for a base salary of $1.5 million and he hit .267 last year with 16 home runs, 31 doubles, and 44 RBI. 2023 All-Star Whit Merrifield just signed for $8 million. Last season in 592 plate appearances he hit 27 doubles, 11 home runs, 67 RBI, and 26 stolen bases with a .272 average. 

The Marlins could have both on their team and still save money as compared to having under performing Avisail Garcia.  To make matters worse, Rhys Hoskins is making $16 million in 2024 and in his last full season in 2022 he hit 33 doubles, 30 home runs, 79 RBI, and hit .246. A few million more and Hoskins would fit in the Marlins lineup at third or fourth. 

The Marlins can solve this issue potentially if they can find a team that wants Garcia. Marlins brass should offer Garcia for a low A player and taking on half of the contract. That is the only solution, as the Marlins would be hard pressed to sit him on the bench while they pay him that much money. If the Marlins can’t dump Garcia, it’s unlikely they will spend a large sum of money on a free agent and they will settle on a low budget option.