Miami Marlins will attempt to sign ace pitcher in free agency
By Bryan Rose
The Miami Marlins know that if they’re to keep some of their younger stars, they’re going to need to field a competitive team. Some of those stars, like Giancarlo Stanton, could potentially be on the move in the upcoming years and the franchise wants to show him they mean business.
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Just how are they planning to do that? By signing a top-flight starting pitcher this offseason.
"Adding a top of the rotation starter is high on the team’s shopping list. That could mean making a serious push for pending free agent James Shields. Fernandez isn’t expected back until around next All-Star Break, and the club wants to build a championship-caliber rotation in anticipation of his return."
The Miami Marlins have seemingly become a laughing stock of Major League Baseball, not because of their fans or players but rather their front office who continually refuses to spend money. However, a payroll increase to $75 million dollars as reported would be a significant jump from their current $45-50 million dollar payroll and would show a desire to put a good product on the field.
Who exactly they’d be targeting is unknown, though there are a handful of talented arms who could reach free agency like Jon Lester and James Shields.
Add in the National League East is relatively ripe for the picking and you might have a formidable team once Jose Hernandez returns from his injury, assuming the Miami Marlins do nab themselves a top-flight starter.
There’s no guarantee such will happen, but even trying is a step in the right direction.