Miami Marlins: Jonathan Villar on the move once again

The Miami Marlins need an answer in center field. At this point, they are hoping Jonathan Villar will rise to the occasion.

When the Miami Marlins acquired Jonathan Villar, it seemed to be a curious fit. The infielder was seemingly blocked at every turn, with the Marlins having prospect Isan Diaz at second, Miguel Rojas at short, and Brian Anderson, their best player, holding down the hot corner. However, as Anderson has also seen a great amount of time in right, it was possible that Villar would man third, with Anderson making a semi-permanent move to the outfield.

Instead, it is Villar who may be destined to change positions. According to Marlins manager Don Mattingly, Villar is going to start spring training in center, although he will still get work around the infield.

In theory, Villar would be a reasonable fit in center. Given his impressive speed, he should be able to track down fly balls with ease. However, he has all of eight games, and 43 innings, of experience in center field during his major league career. None of those games have come since 2017.

The Marlins do not exactly have many other options that appear major league ready. At this point, Villar’s competition in center consists of Lewis Brinson, Monte Harrison, Harold Ramirez, and Jon Berti. While Brinson and Harrison were once top prospects, that collection of outfielders is hardly anything that would intimidate the opposition.

The same could be said in right. It is possible that Anderson ends up as the primary right fielder, leaving Villar to handle the hot corner, should none of the other options step up to take over the position. Villar could also end up as a super utility player, seeing action around the infield and in center should those prospects earn a spot in the lineup.

Regardless of what position he starts in 2020, adding center field to his repertoire will only add to any interest there would be at the trade deadline. A speedy leadoff hitter that can, potentially play four different positions could be a valued commodity at the trade deadline, so long as Villar performs relatively well.

Right now, the plan is for Jonathan Villar to be the Miami Marlins center fielder. Of course, as with everything else, those plans may be subject to change.