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Marlins Should Consider These Veteran Free Agents
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- Marlins Should Consider These Veteran Free Agents
(Eric Hartline/Imagn Images)
The trade deadline may be over, but the Miami Marlins still have an opportunity to improve their roster.
Several veterans have recently been designated for assignment or released, creating a pool of experienced players who could provide value without costing the organization any prospects.
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With only 46 games remaining before the playoffs, the Marlins (58-58) remain within striking distance of their first postseason appearance in three years.
Veteran catcher Mitch Garver is one player worth considering.
Garver struggled offensively with the Seattle Mariners , batting .175 with four home runs and 15 RBIs in 50 games, leading to his release.
Despite those numbers, the 34-year-old has a proven track record of power, including multiple seasons with at least 15 home runs.
He could provide experienced catching depth after the Marlins traded Liam Hicks to the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, giving them a relatively inexperienced catching corps despite Joe Mack's emergence.
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Outfielder Rob Refsnyder could also fill a need. Released by Seattle after hitting .140 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in 53 games, Refsnyder simply never found his rhythm this season.
However, he has built a reputation throughout his career as a productive hitter against left-handed pitching, making him an intriguing platoon option for a Marlins lineup that has struggled against southpaws.
Former Marlins slugger Marcell Ozuna is another name to watch.
The Pittsburgh Pirates released Ozuna after he hit .203 with eight home runs and 29 RBIs in 70 games.
Although those numbers explain his release, Ozuna still brings a history of middle-of-the-order production and familiarity with Miami, where he played alongside Christian Yelich and Giancarlo Stanton in a strong Marlins outfield.
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Former Marlins designated hitter Jorge Soler also became available after the Los Angeles Angels designated him for assignment.
Soler struggled to a .203 batting average with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs in 86 games, but his power remains intriguing. He helped Miami reach the playoffs in 2023 and still has the ability to change a game with one swing.
Plugging in veteran leadership to a young roster that is fighting to stay in contention is key.
These players would not require significant financial commitments or prospect capital, allowing Miami to take low-risk chances on experienced bats who could provide depth during the final stretch run.
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While none of these veterans are guaranteed solutions, the Marlins have an opportunity to strengthen their roster with players who have succeeded in high-pressure situations before.
A playoff push requires contributions from every corner of the team now
