The Miami Marlins can target an intriguing slugger

Should Peter Bendix look to take on a change of scenery candidate for first base? That is the question that I'm asking with this article. There are many questions on just how big the Miami Marlins sell-off will be and the Trade Deadline is the main topic going forward. Should The Fish make some bold moves for the future? There is an interesting player out there....

The Miami Marlins can pursue a first baseman for the future.

Josh Bell will either be traded at the Trade Deadline or let go as a free agent afte rthe season. It's clear that he's not going to be a part of The Fish's long-term plans however. Jake Burger could be, but he can also play third base and DH. It's always important to take chances of players who might need a change of scenery, or simply time to rebound.

I'm of course talking about a certain recent waiver wire move. The Seattle Mariners are looking to move on from former cornerstone first baseman Ty France. France is not having a good season, batting .223/.312/.350, with 8 home runs and 31 RBI in 88 games and 300 AB. He's been worth 0.0 WAR and is a free agent after the 2026 season. He's currently on a $6.775 million salary for the season.

Ty France was very intriguing in 2021-2022, when he batted .283/.353/.440 and was worth 7.5 WAR. Strangely, not much changed to warrant a major drop-off in production. His Exit Velocity stayed roughly the same, his walk percentage has actually improved and his strikeout rate declined. The latter went from 15.3% in 2022 to 24.4% this season, however he's also hit more fly balls this season, while keeping his hard hit rate roughly the same.

It's important to state the obvious: France is not under contract for a long time, nor is he "very cheap". That said, if he bounces back he can be traded or extended, and if he does not he can always be non-tendered. I see it as a good opportunity for the Miami Marlins to take a shot at a potentially solid player.