Miami Marlins, Michael Morse agree to deal

Michael Morse has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the Miami Marlins. Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports that the deal is pending a physical and contains additional performance-based incentives that could increase the total value.

Most recently, Morse was a key contributor to the San Francisco Giants’ 2014 World Series championship team. He had the game-winning RBI in Game 7 against Kelvin Herrera to seal the Giants’ victory. Morse also hit a monstrous home run in the NLCS that helped pushed San Francisco into the Fall Classic.

Despite his value with the bat, Morse is a defensive liability for the Marlins. He’s slow-footed in the outfield and somewhat inexperienced at first base. My best guess would have been for Morse to sign with an American League club where he can DH, but the Marlins clearly saw enough value to give him an opportunity.

Even with his insufficient first base abilities accounted for, that’s likely where Morse ends up. The Miami outfield is crowded with Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna and Giancarlo Stanton. Morse should see some time there when Stanton and others have days off, but it’s not likely to be a regular role for him.

Morse, a South Florida native, also continues the arrival of new faces in Miami. To this point in the offseason, the Marlins have acquired Mat Latos and brought in Dee Gordon in separate trades. The team also resigned Stanton to a mammoth contract in a move that helps solidify the future.

It will be curious to see what Miami does with Garrett Jones. He currently occupies first base, but Morse could result in Jones being traded.