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Marlins Eye Corner Bat As Marsee Recovery Timeline Looms
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- Marlins Eye Corner Bat As Marsee Recovery Timeline Looms
Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Miami Marlins have a clear plan for the winter. The front office is looking for at least one new player to fill a corner infield or outfield spot. Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald reported that the team wants to add an everyday position player. The move to add an everyday position player comes as the club assesses its roster after a season where the offense stalled out. The Fish ranked 18th in scoring across the league last year. They also sat 23rd in home runs and 16th in slugging percentage. These numbers show a team that needed more punch in the lineup.
The Gap in the Middle of the Order
While the Marlins have talent up the middle, the corners remain a question mark. The team boasts strong play from Joe Mack behind the plate and a solid duo of Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards in the infield. Center field looks set with Jakob Marsee, but his health is a major concern. Marsee required postseason internal brace surgery and faces a six-month recovery timeline. If the season begins as scheduled, his Opening Day status remains uncertain. An outside addition would raise the floor if the current group regresses.
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The current options at the corners have shown flashes but lack consistency. Across 490 plate appearances, Javier Sanoja ended the season with a .295/.333/.458 line while riding hot. He earned a utility Gold Glove award in 2025 for his defensive chops. However, his contact-based profile feels more like a traditional utility player than a full-time third baseman. Griffin Conine, Heriberto Hernández, and Owen Caissie are lined up for the corner outfield work. Following a hamstring strain that sidelined him for much of the first half, Conine dominated during the last three months. Although Hernández topped the team in home runs with 25, his overall average was just .228. Caissie struck out at a 37.3% clip in his first year with the club.
Why a New Add Makes Sense
Adding a veteran bat provides insurance for the young players. Kyle Stowers played full-time first base in the second half and has an outfield background. He could move back to the outfield if the Marlins bring in a first baseman. Esteury Ruiz is in the mix as a fourth outfielder. While he excels at stealing bases, his offensive career history is merely average. His strong baserunning instincts have not translated to strong defense. The front office has ample roster flexibility because they are well-positioned up the middle. This luxury allows them to target a specific need without breaking the team.
The Path Forward for Miami
The Marlins need to find a player who can hit with authority. The team was a league average offensive squad in 2026. Their batting average and on-base percentage ranked in the top ten, yet they lacked impactful hitters. An external addition would help bridge that gap. The search will focus on players who can play multiple spots. The goal is to ensure the lineup remains dangerous even if internal players struggle. With Marsee's status uncertain, the pressure is on to find a solution quickly.
