Because none of the free agents are named Matt Olson
The Miami Marlins say they want an impact bat: Matt Olson is precisely that.
The rhyme was unintentional, much as I suspect the current roster glut at first base for the Marlins was at one point. Two MLB regulars in Jesus Aguilar and Garrett Cooper, and one highly regarded prospect in Lewin Diaz all call Olson’s primary position their home. Where Miami should be intentional is with the statement they make coming out of this lockout.
Matt Olson is that kind of upgrade. A young, elite defender with even more elite power, with a proven track record, and zero injury baggage. Kyle Schwarber and Ketel Marte are not that. Nick Castellanos and Cedric Mullins fail to check all those boxes too. Furthermore, he’s a star at a position that allows a lot more room to age gracefully. Assuming he signs an extension, we’re talking a good six years before the time comes to have a DH conversation about him.
However, that’s not even necessarily the most delicious opportunity trading for Olson presents.
There has been a lot of speculation that the Atlanta Braves are going to find themselves in an all out bidding war to retain franchise icon Freddie Freeman. The most often cited fallback plan in that seemingly unthinkable scenario is Olson, with the Dodgers and Yankees also mentioned as likely suitors. Now, take a moment and think about how sweet it would be for the Marlins to beat out the Braves for his services.
When it comes to prospect riches, Miami can easily put together a more enticing package than the Braves and the Yankees. The Dodgers have a better system overall, but Miami’s pitching depth makes them competitive with anyone at the negotiating table. This is a battle Miami can easily win if they choose to fight it, and there’s an excellent chance they can simultaneously weaken a rival while strengthening themselves if they do so.
At the end of the day, the Marlins need to take a whatever it takes mantra to shoring up their offensive firepower. Free agency is one option, but if they really want to add a transformative player that fits perfectly with team needs, trading for a fix is the only way.