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Miami Marlins acquire OF Jeff Francoeur in 3-team trade

By Dan Schmelzer

Jul 27, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jeff Francoeur (18) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jeff Francoeur (18) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to a recent report, the Miami Marlins have landed outfielder Jeff Francoeur from the Atlanta Braves as part of a three-team trade.

The Miami Marlins have made a move in the hopes of improving their postseason chances. The move for the Marlins to acquire outfielder Jeff Francouer from the Atlanta Braves was first reported by Mark Bowman of MLB.com, and has since been confirmed by the team.

Bowman has the Braves acquiring Texas Rangers shortstop prospect Dylan Moore in exchange for giving up Francouer, making this a three-team trade. It is currently unknown what the Marlins are sending to the Rangers in the deal.

The right-handed hitting Francoeur has struggled in a bit of a part-time role with the Braves this season. He is only hitting .249/.290/381 on the year with seven home runs and 33 RBI.

At 32 years old, Francoeur simply may not have much left in the tank. That being said, he is a solid veteran player who does bring some stability to the Marlins’ outfield situation.

With star slugger Giancarlo Stanton on the disabled list, the Marlins have had an obvious hole in right field. Young stars Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna are holding down left and center field well, but the Marlins clearly miss Stanton.

The legendary Ichiro Suzuki has played well this season, but he is not best suited in a full-time role at this point in his career. I imagine that the Marlins acquired Francoeur in hopes of him playing a platoon role with Ichiro in right field.

While his overall numbers have been terrible this season, Francoeur is hitting .273/.313/.421 against left-handed pitching this season. If the Marlins put him in the lineup primarily against left-handed pitchers, they may be able to find lightning in a bottle.

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As the Marlins fight and claw for a National League Wild Card spot, every possible win matters. Francoeur as a platoon/fourth outfielder could make a difference. For a likely extremely low cost, acquiring him is worth the risk.

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