3 players for Miami Marlins to target this offseason
By David Hill
The 2022-23 offseason could look a lot like the 2021-22 offseason for the Miami Marlins.
The same issues are in place. Offense is going to be a priority, as will be finding a center fielder. And again, the Marlins have pitchers to trade to get those desperately needed bats, but it is a matter of being able to match up on a trade. There are also the ever-present financial restraints that come from ownership to consider as the Marlins look to improve the lineup.
Three players for Miami Marlins to target this offseason
Fortunately for the Marlins, there are enough teams looking to pare down payroll, or are in need of pitching, where they should be able to make moves in the trade market. There could also be enough bargains to be found in free agency, especially as the Marlins are looking for more high contact hitters than they had brought in recently. They could be closer to contention than one would think.
The Miami Marlins are in the same place they were heading into the last offseason. Let’s take a look at three players they should target.
Sean Murphy
The Miami Marlins thought they had solved their problem behind the plate when they acquired Jacob Stallings last offseason.
A Gold Glove catcher, he had been coming off of a second consecutive solid season at the plate. While he may not have been a serious threat in the lineup, his doubles pop along with solid walk and strikeout rates made him someone that could be a respectable piece in the bottom of a lineup. Instead, his offense cratered, leaving the Marlins in search of an answer.
Sean Murphy could be exactly that. He had what could be considered a breakout season in 2022, posting a .250/.332/.426 batting line with 18 homers and 37 doubles over his 612 plate appearances. He made tremendous strides in his plate discipline over the second half of the season, giving hope that he is ready to become a star. Add in his own Gold Glove caliber defense, and Murphy is the type of player that the Marlins need.
It also helps that he would be a longer term option. He is just entering arbitration this season, giving the Marlins three years of team control. As they are also looking to lock in a core for the present and future, Murphy could be a part of those plans.
The Miami Marlins need help behind the plate. Sean Murphy could be the answer.