Even after their signings of top free agents Jose Reyes and Heath Bell, it doesn’t look the like the Miami Marlins are planning to stop their winter shopping anytime soon. Chuck Garfien of CSNChicago.com lists the Marlins as the favorites to sign left-handed starter Mark Buehrle, while Jayson Stark of ESPN is hearing that Miami plans to “make an aggressive run” at top free agent first baseman Albert Pujols at the 2011 Winter Meetings.
The club now calling Miami home has everyone asking, who are these guys and what have they done with the Marlins? The long-time spend thrifts that looked to deal top talent rather than sign it to big-money contracts have been the largest player on the free agent market this offseason. Not only have they been the most active team, but the Marlins have put their money where their mouth is, handing out a guaranteed $125 million over the past week.
First, the Marlins filled their void at the back end of their bullpen by bringing in one of the market’s top closers. After handing Bell $27 million, the Marlins went out and signed Jose Reyes to the $100 million-plus contract he and his agent were seeking.
Now, having done all of this before the madness in Dallas, the Marlins appear set to continue their shopping-frenzy at the Winter Meetings.
It was reported a few weeks ago that the Marlins had made lefty Mark Buehrle an offer. According to sources, Miami’s offer is considered to be “a very strong one” and has the Marlins considered to be the current frontrunner for Buehrle’s services. Many clubs are going after Buehrle, but with reports that the Marlins are also in on top free agent starter C.J. Wilson, it appears that Miami is set on adding a top of the rotation pitcher this winter.
Beyond their rotation, the Marlins may not yet be done adding star power to their lineup. Even after giving Reyes $106 million, the Marlins are said to have room in their projected budget to go out and sign Albert Pujols. Along with Stark’s comments, ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com is reporting that “Miami has emerged as the most likely destination for Pujols if the slugger decides to leave St. Louis”.
For more on the Marlins, be sure to check out Marlin Maniac.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.