3 players for Miami Marlins to target this offseason

1 of 3

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.

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Ramon Laureano

The A’s ongoing quest to clear as much payroll as possible could benefit the Miami Marlins.

In this case, the Marlins may be able to swing a package deal. Ramon Laureano is also arbitration eligible, and due to his PED suspension that went into the 2022 season, also has three more years of team control left. For the Marlins, a team that has made finding a center fielder a priority, having that stability has to be important.

When he is right, Laureano is a solid all around option. He has a bit of power and speed, making him capable of being a catalyst atop the batting order. He had also been a Gold Glove caliber center fielder in the past although his defensive metrics over the past two years have begun to slide.

This could also be the perfect moment to pluck Laureano from Oakland. His value may be at its lowest point after he posted a .211/.287/.376 batting line with 13 homers and 18 doubles in his 383 plate appearances while stealing 11 bases. However, he was never able to get on track due to that suspension and various injuries. Even with those issues, he still showed the potential to make a difference.

The Oakland A’s could solve some of the Miami Marlins’ problems. Ramon Laureano would seem to be a perfect fit in the lineup.

Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports /

Jose Abreu

Chances are, the Miami Marlins are not going to spend much in free agency. However, they might need to make an exception for Jose Abreu.

Jesus Aguilar had been the Marlins’ primary first baseman, but that ended when he was released at the end of August. Lewan Diaz had solid minor league numbers but has done absolutely nothing at the major league level. The Marlins desperately need to find something that is close to competent at the position.

Abreu could be the proven run producer they need. He has a track record as being the type of power hitter they need, having hit at least 30 homers five times. Although he had just 17 homers last season, Abreu still posted an excellent .304/.378/.446 batting line with 40 doubles in his 679 plate appearances.

He would also make a difference off the diamond as well. The Marlins have wanted to connect with the Cuban population in southern Florida. Bringing in Abreu, an All Star and former MVP who defected from Cuba to come to the majors, would not only help build those bridges but could also help a cash starved franchise generate some revenue.

The Miami Marlins need a proven run producer and a drastic upgrade at first base. Jose Abreu will be expensive but he would be exactly the piece they need.

Next. 3 center field trade targets for Marlins. dark

Home / Miami Marlins