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MLB Free Agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Rich Hill

By Joshua Sadlock

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 18: Rich Hill
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 18: Rich Hill /
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Sep 28, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (left) center fielder Marcell Ozuna (top) and relief pitcher Mike Dunn (right) take a moment in honor of deceased Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez at the pitchers mound after their game against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. The Mets won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (left) center fielder Marcell Ozuna (top) and relief pitcher Mike Dunn (right) take a moment in honor of deceased Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez at the pitchers mound after their game against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. The Mets won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Marlins

This is an extremely sad entry on the list, because one of the primary reasons the Marlins should be in the market for a starting pitcher this winter is the death of young ace Jose Fernandez. The loss of Fernandez leaves a gaping hole at the top of the rotation in Miami.

The Marlins have been less shy about spending money since moving into their new taxpayer-funded ballpark, but their spending is still somewhat rash and unpredictable. Such is life when Jeffrey Loria sits in the owner’s box. Wei-Yin Chen was the big signing last winter, but his first season with the Fish was an utter disappointment. Adam Conley pitched to a sub-4.00 ERA over 25 starts, and Tom Koehler is a competent innings eater, but you can’t build a rotation around either.

Next: MLB free agency 2017: Top 25 free agents

It would be a massive shame for the Marlins to waste the prime years of Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna, J.T. Realmuto and Dee Gordon because the pitching staff can’t hold up over a full season. The young offensive talent assembled in Miami is among the best in the league, but they can’t win every game 8-7. The Marlins have the potential to take the next step after their 79-win season in 2016, but the team needs a No. 2-type starter at minimum to lead the pitching staff. Hill can be that pitcher, and should benefit from the cavernous dimensions of Marlins Park.

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