Miami Marlins: Four Moves to Become Playoff Contenders

By Jason Reed | Dec 3, 2016

Oct 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Jose Urena wears a cap honoring the memory of deceased Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez in the dugout against the Washington Nationals in the first inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

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Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Take a Chance on Mike Napoli or Chris Carter

If the Marlins can upgrade at the first base position, they should go for it. While the logical acquisition would be Edwin Encarnacion, it may be wiser for Miami to shy away from that deal. With other moves being needed, going all in on a huge Encarnacion contract may not be wise. However, there are still two good options on the market for Miami. Those are Mike Napoli and Chris Carter.

The two combined for a total of 75 home runs and 195 runs batted in last season. Yeah, their batting averages are pretty low and their strikeout rates are high, but adding a power bat may be the route to take. With power already in Stanton, Yelich, and Marcell Ozuna, the Marlins can craft together a power-based lineup similar to the Orioles. With a quality leadoff bat like Dee Gordon and a great-hitting Martin Prado, the Marlins could attempt to slug their way to victories.

Napoli or Carter would serve very similarly to how Chris Davis does for the Baltimore Orioles. While the Marlins already have a good production asset in Justin Bour, adding that extra pop in the lineup may kick-start their path to glory. Also, if needed this would open Bour up to be a trade piece for pitching. Regardless, the Marlins would instantly bolster their power at the core of the lineup and could become a more exciting to watch, better performing team in 2017.

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