The Miami Marlins have added more depth to their system, agreeing to terms with infielder Yangervis Solarte on a minor league deal.
For teams as cost conscious as the Miami Marlins, affordable depth can be vitally important. Finding young players that can fulfill a vital role on the roster, or taking a chance on veterans who had once been productive, can make all the difference in the world. If those veterans have some team control left, so much the better.
Such is the case with infielder Yangervis Solarte. The Marlins, in their quest for depth, have signed the infielder to a minor league deal.
The Marlins will be Solarte’s second organization this season. He had originally signed with the Giants, on another minor league deal, before making the Opening Day roster. However, he struggled in San Francisco, posting a .205/.247/.315 batting line in 78 plate appearances before being released on May 10.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
There was a time when Solarte was a productive major league bat. From 2014 through 2017, Solarte had produced a combined .267/.327/.419 batting line with 57 homers and 99 doubles in his 2061 plate appearances. Those numbers were not All Star caliber, but he had a 105 OPS+ and struck out only 238 times.
Solarte also provided value with his defensive versatility. He has played all four infield spots, with most of his time coming at second and third. During his time with the Giants, Solarte made nine appearances in left, adding to his resume. While he may not be a stellar defensive player at any of those positions, Solarte can at least be adequate in a variety of positions.
For the Marlins, Solarte is certainly worth this minimal risk. With several players likely to depart via trade at the deadline, he could end up resurfacing at the major league level by the end of the year. Should he perform well, the Marlins would have another year of team control to keep Solarte in the system.
The Miami Marlins have signed Yangervis Solarte to a minor league deal. Given his previous track record and defensive versatility, he is the type of player that a team like the Marlins should take a chance on.