As Spring Training begins, the rebuilding Miami Marlins are projected to be one of the worst clubs in baseball. The 2025 campaign is centered around establishing, developing, and identifying long-term talent. However, the Marlins also have a noticeable lack of veteran pillars in their organization.
Thankfully, the door is open for the team to add needed depth and experience to help their young core in 2025 and beyond. And, even more importantly for a franchise like Miami, at least three are available on cost-effective deals!
1) Jose Iglesias
This is the easiest path toward a Marlins-level impact signing. Iglesias experienced a late-career resurgence during his time with the NL East rival New York Mets in 2024. The veteran hit a blistering .337 (which would have led the National League if he qualified).
While "Mr. OMG" is likely due for some negative regression, his impressive contact skills would instantly make him one of the more dangerous hitters in a weak Miami lineup. His experience and good vibes would also make him a tremendous clubhouse presence.
Iglesias has legitimate skills as a batter. He plays plus defense at multiple positions. He would serve as a tremendous mentor to the Marlins' young hitters. His Cuban heritage and pop-star background would mesh perfectly with the culture in South Beach.
Peter Bendix and company should pick up the phone and prioritize bringing the 2024 star to Miami before Opening Day!
2) Jose Quintana
The Marlins' only notable offseason signing came when the club inked 30-year-old pitcher Cal Quantrill to an offseason contract. While this addition does help to alleviate pressure on Miami's young, developing, pitching staff, adding another innings-eater would be wise.
Jose Quintana was rock-solid during his time with the Mets in 2024. The veteran posted a 3.75 ERA and 1.250 WHIP with 135 strikeouts across 170.1 innings of work. His career 3.74 ERA over nearly 2,000 innings in the major leagues shows he is a true workhorse.
In addition to his ability to pitch valuable innings, Quintanna would be a great role model for the Marlins' younger starters. Fellow lefty (and top overall prospect) Thomas White would especially benefit from a seasoned mentor.
3) Anthony Rizzo
The 2025 season is all about assessing the young talent in South Beach. As such, the Miami Marlins are projected to have the youngest lineup in baseball, with an average age of 26.19. While the Fish must be careful not to clog playing opportunities by adding too many veteran players, adding at least one veteran bat would provide valuable stability over a harsh 162-game schedule.
Signing a player like Rizzo, who is a former All-Star, World Series Champion, Gold Glove winner, and Silver Slugger, would be a perfect fit in Miami. The career first baseman could platoon at his natural position while also taking some at-bats at designated hitter. Miami's current 1B, Jonah Bride, is the oldest batter on the projected roster. As such, the two could easily co-exist until talents like Deyvison De Los Santos and Agustin Ramirez begin to carve out playing time.
Rizzo, who will turn 36 years old in June, profiles as more of an asset to Miami's core than as a hindrance. He joins both Quintana and Iglesias as both on-field assets and valuable mentors.