The Miami Marlins have reportedly made a move to add depth to their outfield by signing Cameron Maybin to a one-year deal. At 31-years old, Maybin is coming off a year that saw him post inconsistent results during time with the Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros. However, Maybin did capture a World Series ring with the Astros and has a versatile skill set that should play well in Miami. Marlins beat writer Tim Healey reported the signing on Twitter.
Breaking: The Marlins have signed outfielder Cameron Maybin, source says. He's in camp already.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) February 21, 2018
Cameron Maybin Signs with Miami Marlins
Early Career
Maybin made his debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2007, but his first stint in Detroit would not last long. He appeared in 24 games that season before being included in a blockbuster trade that shipped him to the then Florida Marlins. In that trade, Detroit sent Maybin, P Andrew Miller, and others to the Marlins in exchange for Miguel Cabrera and P Dontrelle Willis.
Maybin would struggle in parts of three seasons during his first stay in Miami. He hit .257 with a .391 slugging percentage over 144 games with the Marlins. Following the 2010 season, Maybin was traded again, this time to the San Diego Padres.
In his first year with the Padres, Maybin made use of his speed and stole 40 bases to go with nine home runs, 24 doubles, and 82 runs scored. He endured a prolonged slump during his second year in San Diego but still managed to steal 26 bases and scored 67 runs.
Unfortunately, the following two seasons were not as kind to Maybin. He was limited to 14 games in 2013 by injuries and faced a suspension in 2014 due to a positive test for amphetamines. From 2013-14, Maybin appeared in just 109 games while batting .222 with eight steals and two home runs.
Trades Continue
Following the 2014 season, Maybin found his way to the Atlanta Braves as part of the package used to acquire closer Craig Kimbrel and OF Melvin Upton Jr.. While in Atlanta, Maybin experienced a bit of a career renaissance. He appeared in 141 games for the Braves with 10 home runs, 23 steals, and 65 runs scored. However, he was not quite done changing teams.
Atlanta sent Maybin to Detroit, the team he debuted for in 2007, in exchange for two relievers. He played well in 95 games for the Tigers during 2016 but was traded once again, this time to the Angels. Maybin spent 93 games with the Angels last season before being claimed off waivers by the Astros. He served as a reserve outfielder with Houston and did see action during the World Series.
Outlook
The signing of Maybin by the Marlins is typical of teams rebuilding. He is a veteran performer on a short deal, but his presence does fill a void. After all, the Marlins did trade all three starting outfielders this offseason in Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich, and Giancarlo Stanton. Miami may not compete this season, but Maybin should provide solid results as the team continues to rebuild.
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