The Miami Marlins need to upgrade their lineup. This is something that they have been aware of all offseason and had begun to correct prior to the lockout. Avisail Garcia and Jacob Stallings were brought in, but the Marlins still needed more. That was something that former CEO Derek Jeter realized before he abruptly left the organization.
As it turns out, Jeter’s main target wanted to be a part of the organization as well. According to Barry Jackson, not only did Jeter have a great deal of interest in signing Nick Castellanos, but Castellanos wanted to come to Miami as well.
Miami Marlins could have Nick Castellanos if they want him
The mutual interest made a great deal of sense. Castellanos grew up nearby and is a native of Davie, Florida. Not only would that make the Marlins an attractive destination for the power hitting outfielder, but with their impressive rotation, they could be a team ready to take that next step into the postseason.
Castellanos would be the type of bat that the Marlins need as well. He produced an excellent .309/.362/.576 batting line in his 585 plate appearances in Cincinnati, hitting 34 homers and 38 doubles. While the Marlins would still need to add another piece, Castellanos would make a major difference going forward.
But it comes down to a willingness to open the checkbook. That is where everything fell apart; Bruce Sherman apparently changed his mind as to how much he was willing to spend on salary. This infuriated Jeter to the point where he resigned as CEO and left the ownership group and organization entirely.
This also leaves Castellanos on the market. The Marlins could have him if they want him, adding a powerful bat and a long term answer to an outfield that needs both. Instead, the Marlins are going to be another team that is more focused on lining their pockets than in putting a winning product on the diamond.
The Miami Marlins and Nick Castellanos had mutual interest before the lockout. Now, it appears as though they blew their chance to add him to the roster.