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Five Big Name Free Agent Targets For Miami Marlins In 2022

By Sean Millerick

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 31: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs runs to first base during the game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on March 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by B51/Mark Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anthony Rizzo
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 31: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs runs to first base during the game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on March 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by B51/Mark Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anthony Rizzo /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Miami Marlins Free Agent Target # 1:  Carlos Correa, Shortstop

If the Miami Marlins really need a shortstop in 2022, something went really wrong in 2021.

Which is fortunate, because I honestly don’t think any members of the ballyhooed crop of shortstops that could be free agents in 2022 are actually reaching free agency. Trevor Story? resigned or traded. Francisco Lindor? Mets brass have the Brinks trucks on speed dial after missing out on the Trevor Bauer sweepstakes. Xander Bogaerts? Already extended.

Carlos Correa, though? I’ll allow that he seems the most likely to test the market of the group, with Chicago’s Javier Baez right behind him. Certainly, based on that MLB network report, it appears some people that are much smarter than I am when it comes to baseball can see Correa taking his talents to Little Havana.

However, I would be stunned if that happens.

Consider. If small market Miami does decide to start making it rain in free agency next season, what does that say about how this season went? Well, right? Promising talent progression, with reasonable expectation for more growth. Something akin to the 2001-2002 Miami Marlins level of competitiveness. Now, ask yourself what are the most likely routes to that happening.

You will be hardpressed to find one that doesn’t involve a very strong showing from either Miguel Rojas or Jazz Chisholm. If not both. And both of those players are shortstops.

Is Correa better than Rojas? Sure. Is Chisholm’s ceiling essentially Correa? Very likely. Does anything about the way the Marlins have built their organization since Derek Jeter and Bruce Sherman took over lead you to believe the Captain will just block or disregard the hard work and effort the in-house shortstops put in?

There you have it.

Playing devil’s advocate here, both Rojas and Chisholm can play second base. Along with two other players that will still be cheaply under contract. Rojas could also be bought out for a mere $500,000 next season if Miami decides to move on from their clubhouse leader. Unless Chisholm wins Rookie of the Year, none of them hold a candle to Correa’s star appeal- he’ll move the needle on season ticket sales for sure.

Ultimately, I just can’t see the Marlins blocking their best position prospect from playing his natural position. That, or spending big in free agency at all if Chisholm proves to be a bust.

Personally, I can almost see Baez as a better fit than Correa. For one, he could play second himself, allowing either Chisholm or Rojas to stay at short. Secondly, Baez is better defensively than Correa- you can sell me on moving Chisholm/Rojas if it means bringing in a Gold Glover.

On the other hand, it’s hard to see an analytics forward GM like Kim Ng being too excited about paying big money for someone who strikes out as much as Baez does. Also, when you consider age and upside, Baez seems like the most likely of Chicago’s Big 3 to be retained.

Correa is absolutely a great player. It’s just hard to see him as the best fit for the Miami Marlins. Shortstop is arguably Miami’s deepest position. Why spend money there?

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