Marlins Sign Cameron Maybin: Fantasy Impact

After trading away all of their starting outfielders, the Marlins signed Cameron Maybin. What will his fantasy production be this season?

The Miami Marlins traded away most of their offense but they still have to field a team. The remaining free agents aren’t difference makers by any means. As a result, the Marlins were somewhat forced to sign Cameron Maybin. How will he perform in a decimated Miami lineup?

Maybin was a one-stat player last season. He stole 33 bases with a .228 average, 10 home runs, 35 RBI and 63 runs scored. He may be considered a two-category player if you value his runs. Maybin played in just 114 games, missing 16 games between July and August.

Maybin hasn’t been known to be a power hitter, career 56 home runs. Giancarlo Stanton hit more in one season than Maybin has in his whole career. His batting average is .255 with a .321 on-base percentage.

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The one thing he’s been known for is his speed. Maybin has 164 steals in 208 attempts. He’s also an excellent defender but that doesn’t affect fantasy as much.

Now with the Marlins, Maybin will have a starting job and have plenty of opportunities to contribute for his team and fantasy owners. Miami still has some good hitters in JT Realmuto, Justin Bour, Martin Prado and Starlin Castro.

He is slated to hit leadoff for the rebuilding Marlins. Maybin may break his career-high 82 runs in a season while stealing some bases to get into scoring position. But his final stat line may look more like last season than his 2016 season.

Maybin is nowhere near draftable in mixed leagues. There are 90 starting outfielders in baseball. Your league will not draft all 90 players, unless you have a very deep league. Sometimes you may draft a backup over a starter.

However, in NL-only leagues, that number gets cut in half to 45. With at least three starting spots to fill, Maybin’s value rises a bit. He will still be a late-round draft pick but he will contribute in some way for fantasy owners.

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Maybin will get close to 450 at-bats atop the Marlins lineup. I expect some sort of platoon with Lewis Brinson throughout the season. Even so, Maybin will score at least 60 runs with 30 steals and a .230 batting average. It’s not ideal but, with speed at a premium, he can help you.