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Will the Miami Marlins make a move this off-season? How potential signings would impact the team's lineup.

The Marlins still have multiple needs

By Brian Dunleavy |
Tommy Pham had 17 hits in 16 postseason games for the D-backs in 2023.
Tommy Pham had 17 hits in 16 postseason games for the D-backs in 2023. / Joe Rondone / USA TODAY NETWORK
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The Miami Marlins have been extremely quiet this off-season. Even the little chatter about the Marlins being in talks with the Orioles for a trade was just squashed with the Corbin Burnes trade. Will the Marlins sign someone? They have to, but who will be left. The Orioles were the most likely trade partner but Peter Bendix would not budge on the value of his starting pitching. That is likely why the trade did not happen and they found other suitors in the Brewers.

The Marlins off-season has been non-existent, they need to make a move

In the past week it seems the blockade was lifted for unsigned free agents and moves are happening regularly. The Marlins need to sign someone before it too late as Spring Training is only a few weeks away. The Marlins still need a starting shortstop as well as a designated hitter who could play either outfield or first base or both. In all reality, the Marlins need to add offense to the lowest producing lineup in the playoffs last season, especially if they hope to return in 2024.

The Marlins have a handful of options available and each of them necessitate a different looking lineup. Depending on what kind of player they can sign based on who is out there can alter the placement of both Josh Bell and Jake Burger. Let’s take a look at what options remain and how they would impact the lineup if added to the roster in the next few weeks or so leading up to the season.

Whit Merrifield - OF and 2B

The Marlins still can add a consistent bat to their lineup and fill their outfield hole. Whit Merrifield would certainly change the top of the order and put more speed on the base paths. Merrifield would likely fill in at the two hole in the lineup and the top of the order would look something akin to the following:

Arraez

Merrifield

Chisholm 

Bell

Burger

That’s a solid top of the lineup and Merrifield’s stats back up the notion he should be in the second spot. Merrifield last season had 27 doubles, 11 home runs, 67 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases with a slash line of .272/.318/.382 and an OPS of .700. At first look the Marlins fans might think they aren’t addressing the issue enough with Merrifield but he creates more disruption to opposing pitchers, especially if he can challenge catchers for stolen bases. 

This lineup would provide the Marlins with two lead off hitters in the row in Arraez and Merrifield and give the middle of the order the best shot at scoring runs on a consistent basis. This would also give the Marlins the ability to stretch singles into doubles with stolen bases.

The Marlins fan base would certainly welcome a bigger bat to fill their DH role but who else is out there and can be signed? 

Tommy Pham - OF

The Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Tommy Pham’s market is heating up and the Marlins will have to act quick if they want to sign him. Pham would be a short term answer to the needs the Marlins have but he could provide the playoff experience and leadership needed. Pham could help the Marlins take the next step in their playoff hunt and lead them past the division series. 

The Marlins lineup would easily take on Tommy Pham in a key spot. Pham would likely fill a lower spot in the lineup than Merrifield but he would have a different role as a leader. The Marlins lineup could look something akin to this:

Arraez

De La Cruz

Chisholm

Bell

Burger

Pham

Pham had a combined 27 doubles, 16 home runs, 68 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases, while slashing .256/.328/.446 with an OPS of .774. Pham adds a bit more pop than Merrifield but at age 35 both are seasoned veterans. I don’t think there is a bad choice between the two if the Marlins can indeed add an outfielder rather than another position for the DH role. The biggest add this off-season if Pham is the guy would be replacing the leadership and playoff resume of Yuli Gurriel with Pham. When the Marlins fizzled out in the playoffs they were missing some real grit from the players to push through the tough times versus the Phillies. Pham would give them that grit and push they need, in addition to the players that did have a solid postseason such as Bell.

Amed Rosario - SS

The Miami Marlins need a starting shortstop and  Amed Rosario is the best option left in the free agent market. What does Rosario do to the Marlins lineup isn’t as big of an impact as Merrifield or Pham. Rosario would shore up the defensive side of things but the 28 year old shortstop isn’t going to be a big impact player like the Marlins need to sign. 

As we have suggested, the Marlins could really use a trade for Willy Adames and the possibility is much more real than it was a few days ago. Rosario on the other hand would fill the gap but not well. 

Rosario combined for 25 doubles, 6 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases with a slash line of .263/.305/.378 and an OPS of .683. While those stats aren’t terrible they are only a slight improvement on Joey Wendle’s 16 doubles, 2 home runs, 20 RBIs, and 7 stolen bases. Wendle did however slash a pathetic .212/.248/.306 with an OPS at .554. Rosario adds some to the offense but it is not a huge increase that Fish fans are hoping for this offseason. Here is how the new lineup could look with Rosario:

Arraez

DLC

Chisholm

Bell

Burger

Sanchez

Rosario

Bethancourt

Garcia

That lineup is pretty decent but still lacks the big pop from an off-season move we are all hoping for. Let’s hope Bendix can pull something out and sign a big bat remaining, although I have limited hope with Marlins ownership. Could Rosario be the best they will add this off-season or will they shoot for a true replacement for Soler, despite already having a higher payroll from the start of last season.

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