Why the Miami Marlins need to trade for their big bat

The Miami Marlins want to add another big bat before Opening Day. Here are three reasons they have to trade for it.

The Miami Marlins offense remains a work in progress.

Last week, I put out three reasons for why free agency was the clearest path forward for the Marlins in their quest to add that final piece to a revamped lineup. And with the exception of one player to be discussed later in this piece, it is the path I’d prefer to see Miami’s front office take. The organization has new revenues to tap into, and what better place to invest than the on the field product.

However, there is still a lot to be said in defense of diving into the trade market instead. At the end of the day, any road that leads to a more explosive Miami Marlins offense is a good one. Three reasons in particular stand out for doing so by trading over paying, starting with…

Because none of the good free agents play center field

There’s one glaring hole in the Miami Marlins lineup. Well, two if you count “batter good enough to scare any opposing pitcher” as a hole as well.

In terms of thump, plenty of available bats on the free agent market would immediately become the focal point of the Marlins offense. Positionally though? Pickings are slim, and none of the top free agents qualify as answers for filling that gaping Starling Marte-sized chasm in center field.

Sure, the front office has said multiple times this offseason that they like Avisail Garcia in center. They feel good about Garcia sticking in center. You might not know this, but Garcia can handle things in center. They’ve also given some of their top outfield prospects extensive work in center going back to last season. Miami has options, people … they don’t have to add a center fielder. Things will be just fine there in 2022 as is, thank you very much.

Which is exactly the kind of message the front office needs to be sending to 29 other teams. Maybe Garcia is an answer in center, maybe he isn’t. However, what is certain is that Miami needs to project confidence in his ability to do the job in order to keep rival GMs from tacking on an extra Top 10 prospect to those trade packages because of a perceived position scarcity issue.

Because, it is an issue. Marlins Park has a lot of real estate to cover. It’s not an easy center fielding gig by any stretch. Putting Garcia there is a downgrade defensively, and a potential worst defensive outfield in the league situation if the Marlins sign Kyle Schwarber to play left field. The trade market is the only way to kill two birds with one stone: an impact bat that can provide competent to above average defense in center field.

Of course, it’s not just the lack of good defensive options that makes trading a good idea…

Because the Miami Marlins need a long-term answer on offense

The Miami Marlins have nailed the pitching part of their rebuild. But is there a hitter in this lineup you trust to really matter offensively?

Even the Jazz Chisholm truthers amongst us know the answer to this question is a resounding no.

Outside of an earth-shaking signing of Carlos Correa, the only way the Marlins are acquiring someone who has that transformational, face of the franchise caliber upside is the trade market. Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber would be huge upgrades for the Marlins relative to the current roster, but for how long? Both are very sound, far sounder than Jazz, but lack that sizzle component. Both also might have just produced their best seasons. And while that might be a touch unfair to say of them, it’s a very real concern for Kris Bryant or Michael Conforto.

But nearly everyone that has been rumored to be heading Miami’s way on the trade front has that blue chip upside. More importantly, unlike any of Miami’s outfield prospects down on the farm, they have enjoyed big league success. Most importantly of all, nearly all of these trade targets are cheap. With years remaining until free agency, they afford Miami the opportunity to try them out before committing to offering one of the biggest contracts in franchise history.

If Cedric Mullins really is what he did in 2021, or if Ketel Marte really is what his underlying numbers suggest, then both are worth much more than Castellanos or Schwarber will require upfront this spring. Trading for someone on the upswing, and two to three years from free agency, also gives Miami the chance to more easily add more talent in 2023 or 2024.

Bottom-line, most of the remaining free agents are floor plays. The trade market options are ceiling ones. Which brings us to the bets reason to trade for that last big bat…